Indoor ferns bring a touch of lush greenery and elegance to interior spaces, offering a diverse array of options to enhance any indoor environment. Renowned for their adaptability and low-maintenance nature, indoor ferns stand out as some of the best choices for adding a refreshing ambiance to homes, offices, or any indoor setting. From classic favorites like the Boston Fern to trendy varieties like the Bird’s Nest Fern, these plants effortlessly combine beauty with functionality.
Best Indoor Ferns
Ferns, cherished for lush foliage and adaptability to low-light, make ideal indoor plants. Numerous varieties, especially those from tropical areas, flourish as houseplants. With proper care, indoor ferns prove undemanding and low-maintenance.
Discover the top easy-to-grow ferns for enhancing your home or office greenery effortlessly.
1. Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum)
Height/Spread: Compact, reaching 1-2 feet tall, with arching fronds.
Water Requirement: Consistent moisture, water when the soil surface feels slightly dry.
Exposure: Indirect light, avoid direct sun to prevent leaf burn.
Distinctive Feature: Silvery-blue fronds with a star-like shape, adding a touch of elegance.
Humidity: Prefers high humidity, around 50-60%, misting or a pebble tray can help.
The Blue Star Fern, a charming addition to indoor ferns, offers more than just aesthetic appeal. Its lush foliage not only purifies the air but also thrives in the humid environment of a bathroom, making it an ideal choice for enhancing air quality and adding a touch of natural beauty to the space.
Read More: Indoor Plants for East-Facing Windows
2. Crocodile Fern (Microsorum musifolium)
Height/Spread: Moderately sized, growing up to 2 feet tall, with textured, wavy fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Exposure: Low to medium indirect light, avoid direct sunlight.
Distinctive Feature: Textured fronds resembling crocodile skin, adding intrigue to indoor spaces.
Humidity: Requires moderate to high humidity, around 40-50%, misting can maintain moisture levels.
The Crocodile Fern, known for its distinctive textured fronds resembling reptilian skin, not only adds an exotic touch to indoor spaces but also purifies air, enhancing bathroom environments. These indoor ferns thrive in humid conditions, making bathrooms ideal habitats. Their presence not only elevates aesthetic appeal but also promotes well-being through air purification.
Read More: Best Small Indoor House Plants
3. Footed Fern (Tectaria sp.)
Height/Spread: Compact, growing up to 1 foot tall, with arching fronds on distinctive stalks.
Water Requirement: Keep soil evenly moist, avoiding waterlogging.
Exposure: Moderate to bright indirect light, avoid direct sun.
Distinctive Feature: Fronds arise from a central “foot,” creating an attractive cascading effect.
Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity levels, around 40-50%, occasional misting can be beneficial.
The Footed Fern, a charming addition to indoor ferns, not only enhances bathroom aesthetics but also purifies the air, promoting a healthier environment. Its lush green fronds provide a refreshing ambiance while its air-purifying properties alleviate stress and enhance respiratory health. Placing it in bathrooms ensures optimal humidity levels, aiding its growth and longevity.
Read More: Best Bright Light Indoor Plants
4. Japanese Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Height/Spread: Large, reaching 2-3 feet tall, with wide, nest-like fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Exposure: Bright indirect light, can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Distinctive Feature: Large, glossy fronds forming a rosette, resembling a bird’s nest.
Humidity: Requires high humidity, around 50-60%, frequent misting or a humidifier is beneficial.
The Japanese Bird’s Nest Fern, known for its lush green fronds, adds a touch of tranquility to any bathroom. These indoor ferns not only enhance the aesthetic but also improve air quality by purifying toxins. Their presence promotes relaxation and mental well-being, making them an essential addition for a rejuvenating bathroom ambiance.
Read More: Best Low-Light Indoor Plants
5. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum)
Height/Spread: Moderate, growing up to 1-2 feet tall, with gracefully arching fronds.
Water Requirement: Maintain even moisture, avoiding both drought and waterlogging.
Exposure: Low to medium indirect light, avoid direct sun.
Distinctive Feature: Compact rosette of fronds, resembling a bird’s nest, adds a tropical flair.
Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity, around 40-60%, misting can help maintain moisture levels.
The Bird’s Nest Fern, a beloved member of indoor ferns, brings a touch of lush greenery to bathrooms, thriving in the humid environment. Renowned for its air-purifying qualities, it not only enhances aesthetics but also improves indoor air quality, making it an essential addition for health-conscious homeowners seeking natural remedies.
6. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Height/Spread: Large, growing up to 2-3 feet tall, with gracefully drooping fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Exposure: Indirect light, avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Distinctive Feature: Cascading, feathery fronds creating a lush, green focal point in indoor spaces.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity, around 50-60%, frequent misting or a humidifier is recommended.
The Boston Fern, a popular choice among indoor ferns, brings a touch of nature’s tranquility to bathrooms. Its lush fronds not only enhance aesthetics but also act as natural air purifiers, improving indoor air quality. Known for its resilience and ability to thrive in humid environments, it adds freshness and vitality to any space.
Read More: Best Indoor Plants for Any Location
7. Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)
Height/Spread: Compact, growing up to 1 foot tall, with round, leathery fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil evenly moist, avoiding waterlogging.
Exposure: Medium to bright indirect light, can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Distinctive Feature: Small, button-like leaflets on arching fronds, providing an interesting texture.
Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity, around 40-50%, occasional misting can help maintain moisture.
Button ferns, cherished as indoor ferns, add a touch of lush greenery to any space, but their significance goes beyond aesthetics. These resilient plants not only purify indoor air but also release moisture, promoting a healthier atmosphere, making them ideal for bathrooms where humidity thrives, fostering their growth and longevity.
Read More: Best Indoor Hanging Plants
8. Cretan Brake Fern (Pteris cretica)
Height/Spread: Medium-sized, reaching 1-2 feet tall, with delicate, lacy fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Exposure: Indirect light, avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Distinctive Feature: Intricately patterned fronds resembling delicate lace, adding elegance to interiors.
Humidity: Enjoys moderate humidity levels, around 40-50%, occasional misting can be beneficial.
The Cretan Brake Fern, known for its lush green fronds, adds a touch of elegance to indoor spaces like bathrooms. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this fern purifies the air, enhancing the ambiance while promoting better respiratory health. Its resilience and adaptability make it a favored choice among indoor ferns, bringing nature’s tranquility closer to home.
9. Kangaroo Fern (Microsorum diversifolium)
Height/Spread: Moderate, growing up to 1-2 feet tall, with arching fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil evenly moist, avoiding both drought and waterlogging.
Exposure: Low to medium indirect light, avoid direct sun.
Distinctive Feature: Unique frond shape resembling a kangaroo paw, adding a whimsical touch.
Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity, around 40-50%, occasional misting can help maintain moisture levels.
The Kangaroo Fern, a delightful addition to indoor ferns, brings lush greenery and tranquility to bathroom spaces. Its resilient nature thrives in humid environments, purifying air and promoting relaxation. Known for its air-purifying qualities, this fern enhances indoor air quality, making it an ideal choice for bathroom settings.
10. Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterate)
Height/Spread: Large, reaching 2-3 feet tall, with upright, sword-like fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Exposure: Moderate indirect light, can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Distinctive Feature: Dense, upright growth habit with tidy fronds, perfect for adding vertical interest.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity, around 50-60%, frequent misting or a humidifier is recommended.
The Kimberly Queen Fern, a cherished addition to indoor ferns, not only enhances bathroom aesthetics but also improves air quality by filtering out toxins. Its lush foliage thrives in the humid environment of bathrooms, adding a touch of greenery while promoting relaxation. This resilient plant brings beauty and health benefits effortlessly to any space.
11. Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’)
Height/Spread: Compact, growing up to 1 foot tall, with small, lemon-scented fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Exposure: Medium to bright indirect light, avoid direct sun.
Distinctive Feature: Small, rounded fronds with a refreshing lemon scent, perfect for small spaces.
Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity, around 40-50%, occasional misting can help maintain moisture levels.
The Lemon Button Fern, a charming member of indoor ferns, not only adds a touch of greenery to bathroom spaces but also purifies the air, promoting a healthier environment. Its compact size makes it perfect for small areas, while its vibrant lemon-scented foliage brings a refreshing ambiance to any room.
12. Mother Fern (Asplenium bulbiferum)
Height/Spread: Medium-sized, growing up to 1-2 feet tall, with arching fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil evenly moist, avoiding waterlogging.
Exposure: Low to medium indirect light, avoid direct sun.
Distinctive Feature: New plantlets form on the fronds, resembling a nurturing “mother” plant.
Humidity: Enjoys moderate humidity, around 40-50%, occasional misting can be beneficial.
Mother Fern, a verdant delight, not only graces our indoor spaces with its elegant fronds but also purifies the air, enhancing the ambiance of any room, especially the bathroom. Its presence not only adds a touch of nature but also brings numerous health benefits, making it a cherished addition to our homes.
13. Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis)
Height/Spread: Moderate, growing up to 1-2 feet tall, with furry rhizomes resembling rabbit’s feet.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Exposure: Low to medium indirect light, avoid direct sun.
Distinctive Feature: Unique furry rhizomes creeping over the soil, giving it a distinctive charm.
Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity, around 40-50%, misting can help maintain moisture levels.
The Rabbit’s Foot Fern, a cherished member of indoor ferns, not only adds a touch of natural elegance to bathrooms but also purifies the air, promoting a healthier environment. Its lush foliage brings tranquility while its air-purifying properties contribute to respiratory well-being. Placing it in bathrooms enhances humidity levels, creating an ideal habitat for this verdant gem.
14. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
Height/Spread: Large, growing up to 2-3 feet tall and wide, with distinctive antler-like fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil evenly moist, mist regularly to maintain humidity.
Exposure: Indirect light, avoid direct sun to prevent leaf burn.
Distinctive Feature: Unique antler-shaped fronds and a distinctive epiphytic growth habit.
Humidity: Requires high humidity, around 50-60%, frequent misting or a humidifier is recommended.
The Staghorn Fern, a striking member of the fern family, brings an exotic charm to indoor spaces like bathrooms. Its unique antler-like fronds not only enhance aesthetics but also serve as natural air purifiers, improving air quality. Placing indoor ferns like the Staghorn in bathrooms adds a touch of greenery while benefiting health and ambiance.
15. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)
Height/Spread: Delicate, reaching up to 1-2 feet tall, with lacy, fan-shaped fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
Exposure: Low to medium indirect light, avoid direct sun.
Distinctive Feature: Fine, black wiry stems with delicate, fluttering fronds, adding grace to any space.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity, around 50-60%, frequent misting or a humidifier is essential.
Maidenhair Fern, a delicate beauty, graces bathrooms with its elegance and thrives in the moist environment. Its lush green fronds not only add charm but also purify the air, enhancing indoor air quality. With its known health benefits including stress reduction, it’s a cherished addition to indoor ferns, revitalizing both space and spirit.
16. Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)
Height/Spread: Compact, growing up to 1 foot tall, with round, leathery fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil evenly moist, avoiding waterlogging.
Exposure: Medium to bright indirect light, can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Distinctive Feature: Small, button-like leaflets on arching fronds, providing an interesting texture.
Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity, around 40-50%, occasional misting can help maintain moisture.
Button Fern, a delicate member of indoor ferns, adds a touch of elegance to bathrooms with its lush green foliage. Besides enhancing aesthetics, it serves as a natural air purifier, filtering out toxins and promoting better air quality. Its compact size makes it perfect for small spaces, thriving in the humid environment of bathrooms while offering health benefits to inhabitants.
17. Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)
Height/Spread: Moderate, growing up to 1-2 feet tall, with glossy, serrated fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil evenly moist, allowing the top inch to dry between watering.
Exposure: Low to medium indirect light, can tolerate some morning sun.
Distinctive Feature: Dark green, leathery fronds with holly-like serrations, adding texture to indoor gardens.
Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity, around 40-50%, occasional misting can help maintain moisture levels.
Holly Ferns, cherished for their elegance, thrive as indoor ferns, gracing bathrooms with their lush greenery. Beyond aesthetic appeal, they purify the air, enhancing the ambiance while providing health benefits by absorbing moisture and toxins. Their resilience and low-light tolerance make them perfect companions, elevating any space with their natural beauty and practicality.
18. Silver Lace Fern (Pteris ensiformis ‘Evergemiensis’)
Height/Spread: Compact, reaching up to 1 foot tall, with variegated, lacy fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil evenly moist, avoiding waterlogging.
Exposure: Low to medium indirect light, avoid direct sun.
Distinctive Feature: Silvery-white variegation on delicate, lace-like fronds, adding elegance to indoor spaces.
Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity, around 40-50%, occasional misting can help maintain moisture levels.
Silver Lace Fern, an exquisite member of indoor ferns, adds a touch of elegance to bathroom spaces. Beyond its ornamental allure, this fern purifies the air, promoting a healthier environment. Its delicate fronds bring tranquility, while its ability to thrive in humid conditions makes it perfect for bathroom settings, enhancing both aesthetics and well-being.
19. Macho Fern (Nephrolepis biserrata)
Height/Spread: Large, growing up to 3 feet tall and wide, with broad, arching fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Exposure: Medium to bright indirect light, can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Distinctive Feature: Large, robust fronds with a bold, tropical appearance, perfect for filling larger spaces.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity, around 50-60%, frequent misting or a humidifier is recommended.
Macho Fern, a popular indoor fern, adds a touch of elegance to bathroom decor while purifying the air. Its lush foliage not only enhances aesthetics but also thrives in humid environments, making it ideal for bathrooms. This hardy plant not only improves air quality but also promotes a sense of tranquility and well-being.
20. Sword Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia)
Height/Spread: Moderate, growing up to 2 feet tall and wide, with upright, sword-like fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil evenly moist, avoiding waterlogging.
Exposure: Low to medium indirect light, can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Distinctive Feature: Sturdy, erect fronds resembling swords, adding structure to indoor gardens.
Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity, around 40-50%, occasional misting can help maintain moisture levels.
Sword Fern, known for its elegance and resilience, holds significant importance in home decor. Its lush green fronds not only add aesthetic appeal but also purify indoor air, promoting a healthier environment. Placing Sword Ferns in bathrooms enhances humidity levels, creating an ideal habitat for these indoor ferns to thrive.
21. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum)
Height/Spread: Moderate, growing up to 1-2 feet tall, with colorful, variegated fronds.
Water Requirement: Keep soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
Exposure: Low to medium indirect light, avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Distinctive Feature: Silver-gray and burgundy fronds with delicate, painted-like patterns, adding a pop of color.
Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity, around 40-50%, occasional misting can help maintain moisture levels.
The Japanese Painted Fern is an exquisite addition to indoor ferns, bringing a touch of elegance to any space, including bathrooms. Its vibrant hues and delicate fronds not only uplift the ambiance but also purify the air, promoting a healthier environment. Its low maintenance makes it ideal for busy households seeking a splash of natural beauty.
Bottom Line
These ferns offer a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures, making them excellent choices for adding lush greenery and natural beauty to your indoor spaces. Remember to provide appropriate care, including regular watering, suitable light conditions, and adequate humidity, to keep your ferns thriving and vibrant.
