Ferns are undemanding if you offer them an optimal location and the soil meets their needs. Many species are also easy to cultivate as houseplants. But which representatives are the most popular?
Which types of ferns are suitable as houseplants?
Popular types of ferns as houseplants include the sword fern, staghorn fern, golden spotted fern, hare's foot fern, cycad fern, striped fern, deer's tongue fern, maidenhair fern, nest fern, rib fern, shield fern and sickle fern. Each species has individual location and care needs.
The most popular houseplant among ferns
There are numerous houseplants. But if you value a tropical flair in your home, you should give the sword fern a try. It is probably the most popular fern for growing in pots in the home.
It doesn't just look good with its long, lush green and elegantly overhanging fronds. It also cleans the air of substances such as formaldehyde, xylene and toluene. This makes it ideal for the study, for example.
But the sword fern has one crucial disadvantage: dried parts of its fronds do not trickle down to the ground. They must be removed by hand. If you forget this, you won't recognize your sword fern after a few months
The staghorn fern and others – perfect for hanging baskets
The staghorn fern, whose fronds are reminiscent of deer antlers, is still widespread as a houseplant. It doesn't like direct sunlight, but needs a bright location. The bathroom is perfect for him. There it looks great in a hanging basket (€8.00 on Amazon) if its fronds are allowed to protrude over the edge of the pot.
The golden spotted fern and the hare's foot fern are also good candidates for hanging baskets. The reason: They are not rooted in the earth. They originally grow on trees. The golden spotted fern also tolerates drier air and the hare's foot fern impresses with its golden brown rhizome, which appears gently hairy.
Other popular fern species
Here are other types of room ferns with their peculiarities:
- Cydactyl: spectacular, sensitive to low temperatures
- Striped fern: tolerates full shade
- Deertongue fern: needs brightness
- Maidenhair fern: graceful, does not like direct sun
- Nest fern: grows well in the shade
- Rib fern: tolerates dry air better than other fern species
- Shield fern: is considered extremely easy to care for
- Sickle Fern: Leaves are less fern-like, grows best in partial shade
Tips & Tricks
Before buying a fern for your apartment, consider: All ferns are poisonous. This also applies to cats, dogs and co.
