Due to the very decorative and green fronds all year round, so-called indoor ferns are becoming increasingly popular as houseplants (especially for the rather damp and not so bright bathroom). This is just a rather pragmatic classification, as in reality there are a large number of different fern species from tropical areas around the world available in specialist shops.
How can indoor ferns be correctly identified?
To identify indoor ferns, pay attention to growth habit, frond shape, spore colors and patterns, and size. Make care easier for yourself by purchasing fern species with exact variety names and care instructions from specialist retailers.
The need for correct species identification
Basically, many room ferns are relatively similar in terms of location and care needs. As long as ferns are not exposed to direct sunlight and are sufficiently (but not excessively) supplied with low-lime water, there is usually nothing standing in the way of he althy growth of the magnificent fern fronds. Nevertheless, personal interest aside, it can be important to determine the exact type of house fern. Here's how to find out about specific fern species:
- how the plants in question can be propagated
- which factors should be taken into account when fertilizing or cutting
- how poisonous a certain room fern actually is
Difficulties in identification and rough differentiation criteria
A difficulty in precisely identifying a specific species usually arises from the fact that within the various botanical fern families there are many similar subspecies that are difficult to distinguish visually. Nevertheless, there are also rough criteria with which even the untrained eye can at least make an approximate classification. There are serious differences in terms of the basic growth form: While epiphytic fern species such as the staghorn fern only need a rough surface for “adhering”, fern species such as the deer’s tongue fern form a rhizome and should therefore be planted in a sufficiently deep pot.
Various factors for determining the exact type of fern
The different types of indoor ferns can best be identified by the shape of the leaves, also known as fronds. These are available in every conceivable variant: stalked, sessile, lanceolate, pinnate or particularly small segmented. In addition, some fern species produce spores in particularly characteristic colors. Last but not least, an important distinguishing feature is the size, as the spectrum of indoor ferns ranges from around 10 cm long to 1 m long fronds.
Tip
You can make it easier for yourself to care for your indoor fern if you purchase it from a specialist retailer with an exact variety name and the corresponding care instructions. There are also varieties of indoor ferns that are more than demanding when it comes to care. If in doubt about the toxicity of a specimen, the spores should not be inhaled and children and pets should be kept away from the plants.