Looking for a plant that brings a lush, tropical touch to your less luminous rooms? Ferns are the perfect solution! Popular for their delicate foliage and their ability to thrive where other plants struggle, they are a major asset for your decor. Discover how to make these humidity queens thrive!
A Spectacular Cascade of Fronds
The beauty of ferns lies in the variety and texture of their fronds. Most species offer finely cut and pinnate (feather-shaped) foliage, adding an airy elegance to the home. Others, like the popular Bird's Nest Fern, feature wide, undivided leaves. Initially, the fronds are curled in a crosier shape, then slowly unfurl to reach their full maturity.
Fern fronds are generally arched and grow from rhizomes. Never hesitate to remove yellowed fronds to stimulate vigorous new growth.
Popular Fern Types to Discover
There is a great diversity of indoor ferns, each bringing a unique style. Here are the most common types and their characteristics:
- Boston Fern ('Nephrolepis exalata') : The most classic. Its fronds are long, arched, and very cut, perfect for hanging baskets. It is the air purification champion.
- Bird's Nest Fern ('Asplenium nidus') : Easily recognized by its undivided, smooth, shiny, lance-shaped leaves that form a central "nest." It needs high humidity and targeted watering on the soil.
- Rabbit's Foot Fern ('Davallia fejeensis') : Unique due to its hairy, creeping rhizomes that grow on the soil surface and resemble animal paws. It adds surprising texture to your decor.
- Staghorn Fern ('Platycerium bifurcatum') : Very different, this epiphytic fern is often mounted on a plank. Its fronds resemble elk antlers. It requires a bit more attention, especially regarding watering.
- Crocodile Fern ('Microsorum musifolium') : Easily identifiable by its large fronds with a textured green pattern, resembling crocodile skin. It is quite tolerant of lower light conditions.
- 'Blue Star' Fern ('Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star'') : Unique thanks to its magnificent silvery blue-green foliage. Its wavy fronds are very decorative, and it is robust, tolerating occasional dryness better than most ferns.
Use and Benefits: A Corner of Jungle at Home
Beyond their beauty, ferns offer practical advantages in interior design:
- Versatile Decor: Ferns are perfect in hanging baskets, on a shelf, or as a green accent in a dark corner. They suit all styles, from classic to bohemian.
- Humidity Improvement: Unlike many plants, ferns transpire a lot, which helps increase the ambient humidity around them, beneficial for other plants (and for you!).
- Self-Renewing Foliage: Boston Ferns, in particular, tend to shed less attractive fronds to produce new ones. You should not hesitate to remove the long, thin, hairy, and messy rhizomes they produce to maintain a compact habit.
Is the Fern an Air Purifier?
Yes! The Boston Fern ('Nephrolepis exalata') is one of the most recognized champions of air purification. It excels at eliminating common toxins like xylene and formaldehyde, often found in household products and furniture. Place it in your office or living room for healthier air.
Care: Aim for Humidity and Consistency
For healthy and vibrant fronds, ferns have two main requirements: humidity and the absence of direct sun.
Light: Indirect Light is the Key
Most ferns prefer medium to low light and poorly tolerate direct sun, especially in mid-summer, which easily burns their delicate fronds. A location near an East-facing window suits them perfectly, as they receive soft morning light there. They can often tolerate shade, provided their other needs, particularly humidity, are met.
Which rooms are ideal? Ferns excel in offices away from windows, living rooms with North or East exposures, and bright bathrooms (humidity is often higher there).
Watering: Never Dry, Never Soggy
Ferns tolerate drought very poorly; the soil should never completely dry out. However, constantly soggy soil will lead to root rot. Make a habit of watering them thoroughly as soon as the surface of the soil begins to dry out.
For optimal watering:
- Always use room temperature water.
- Water liberally until water drains through the drainage holes.
- Empty the saucer after a few minutes to prevent the roots from sitting in stagnant water.
- Never water the "nest" directly of certain ferns (like the Bird's Nest Fern); water the soil around it instead.
- Misting is Not Necessary: Misting does not significantly increase humidity and can encourage diseases. Use a humidifier or place the plant on a pebble tray with water instead.
Fertilization: A Light and Regular Supplement
Apply an all-purpose or green plant fertilizer at one-quarter of the recommended dose from spring to early fall. Ferns are sensitive to excess salt, so light fertilization is always better.
Temperature and Humidity: A Tropical Climate
Most indoor ferns are tropical in origin and will require warm temperatures year-round (minimum 10 °C/50 °F). They will appreciate spending the summer outdoors in a shady location. High atmospheric humidity is crucial to prevent the tips of the fronds from turning brown. Using a humidifier during the winter, when the air in our homes is very dry, is highly recommended.
Repotting and Propagation: Share Your Offsets
Repotting: Repot every 2 years in the spring, using a good quality indoor potting mix. Choose a slightly larger pot.
Propagation: Propagation is simple and done by division.
- Dividing Offsets: Propagate ferns by separating the offsets or small plantlets that form near the mother plant during repotting.
- Rhizome Cuttings: For ferns with creeping rhizomes (like the Rabbit's Foot Fern), cut and root sections of the rhizome and place them halfway onto the soil.
Safety: Commonly grown indoor ferns are non-toxic to humans, dogs, or cats, making them an excellent choice for families with pets. Be cautious, however, of plants that resemble them but are not actually ferns (such as the Asparagus Fern), as this plant can be toxic.
