26 Best Types of Indoor Ferns to Grow at Home (2024)

Indoor Ferns are a lush and rewarding addition to any indoor space. Plus, you have plenty of options, each with vibrant, cascading fronds that stand out among other indoor plants. In this guide, I’ll share the best types of indoor ferns and essential growing and care tips for each.

1) Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)

Staghorn or elkhorn ferns are from the genus Platycerium, which makes up about 18 unique fern species. Staghorn ferns are unique compared to many other popular ferns in that they are epiphytes, living on trees instead of in the soil. They have pronounced sporophytes, their stags, and pronounced gametophytes, the shields. Both are separate parts of the staghorn fern’s life cycle.

They’re also great at purifying the air and look stunning in hanging baskets in addition to tabletop pots and planters.

2) Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston ferns are one of the most popular varieties of this plant. Their scientific name is Nephrolepis exaltata, and they belong to the Lomariopsidaceae family. This is a hardy, evergreen perennial plant with long, textured fronds. They are versatile and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for first-time fern owners.

NASA included Boston ferns in their clean air study, confirming that they helped remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.

3) Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

Bird’s nest ferns, or Asplenium nidus, are epiphytic plants. They grow in a clump that resembles a bird’s nest. This plant’s shape, size, and texture make it a great addition to any room. This plant is unique because it grows in palm trees, another reason it may have earned its name.

4) Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)

Kimberly Queen Ferns, or Nephrolepis obliterata, is originally from Australia. This plant is more sensitive than the hardier ferns like the Boston fern, making it a bit more challenging to care for. However, this plant has beautifully textured fronds and adds a lovely aesthetic to any indoor environment.

Rabbit Foot Ferns are a member of the genus Davallia, which includes about 40 other species. It gets its name from furry rhizomes that emerge from the base of the plant. These rhizomes grow atop the soil and have an appearance resembling rabbit feet.

6) Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)

Maidenhair ferns belong to the genus Adiantum, which includes around 250 other species. This is a more delicate variety of fern, but their beautiful, lacy appearance makes them worth the effort. Once you’ve learned how to maintain one of the hardier varieties, you can try this gorgeous, albeit sensitive, fern variety.

7) Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorous ‘sprengeri’)

Asparagus ferns, or Asparagus densiflorous ‘sprengeri’ has small, needle-like fronds. Unlike other ferns, this plant has thorns, so touching can be painful. This plant is commonly considered a part of the fern species as it requires similar care. However, it belongs to the Asparagus genus, meaning it is unrelated.

8) Frosty Fern (Selaginella)

Frosty ferns, or Selaginella, is the only vascular genus of plants in the Selaginellaceae family. They have scale-shaped leaves with a frosty coloring. They are a beautiful, wintery addition to any indoor environment, and their love of humidity means it does well in a terrarium.

9) Foxtail Fern (Asparagus declinatus)

Foxtail ferns, or Asparagus declinatus, are a variety that also falls into the Asparagus genus, meaning they are not actually ferns. They have beautiful, thick, and curly foliage resembling a fox’s tail, which is likely where this plant gets its name.

10) Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia)

Lemon Button ferns, or Nephrolepis cordifolia, is a small and delicate fern indigenous to Hawaii. It gets its name from a subtle lemony scent that it gives off during its growing season. This plant is a beautiful, low-maintenance option for anyone interested in adding a fern to their collection.

11) Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)

Holly ferns, or Cyrtomium falcatum, are known for their serrated, holly-like foliage. This fern can tolerate low lighting and creates beautiful dark green fronds, making it a unique option for indoor plant collectors.

12) Dallas Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Dallas’)

Dallas ferns, or Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Dallas’, are a smaller relative to the Boston fern. They are a beautiful, low-maintenance plant to care for and make a lush and lively addition to any room.

13) Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)

The Japanese Painted fern, or Athyrium niponicum, comes from Eastern Asia. This colorful fern gets its name due to its silver fronds and dark red stems, making it an appealing option to grow at home. While most fronds offer an evergreen backdrop to your garden, this beauty will stand out like a work of art and liven up any space.

14) Royal Fern (Osmunda spectabilis)

Royal ferns, or Osmunda spectabilis, are large ferns that can grow up to one meter high. They produce large, light green foliage, adding a bold statement to your indoor decor.

15) Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum)

Blue Star Ferns, or Phlebodium aureum, are known for their large fronds. This is a hardy indoor fern that makes a great houseplant. Since it is an epiphytic fern, it doesn’t need as much moisture as other varieties, making it a more tolerant houseplant than other species of this plant.

16) Australian Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi)

The Australian Tree Fern, native to parts of Australia (as you might have guessed), has large, feathery fronds that can grow several feet long. Its trunk is slender and covered in brown, coarse hairs. I love the fact these ferns are rapid growers (under the right conditions) and work really well as a centerpiece in an indoor garden.

17) Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)

Native to New Zealand, the Button Fern is known for its unique round, button-like leaflets on arching stems. I think the dark green leaves contrast beautifully with its black stems.

18) Cretan Brake Fern (Pteris cretica)

Originating from Europe and Asia, the Cretan Brake Fern has light green, arching fronds with a lace-like appearance. They can adapt to a variety of conditions, making them suitable for a range of interior living spaces.

19) Crocodile Fern (Microsorum musifolium)

Native to Southeast Asia, Microsorum musifolium showcases textured leaves that resemble crocodile skin. This fern enjoys a humid environment and is popular for its unique appearance. I find these ferns challenging to grow at home as they need lots of moisture but can be really rewarding.

20) Delta Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum ‘Fragrantissimum’)

This variation of the Maidenhair Fern has delicate, fan-shaped fronds. It’s native to the tropics and is known for its soft, lacy appearance and sweet fragrance. They can be tricky to find but are an excellent addition to any indoor fern plant collection.

21) Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)

This European native fern is unique due to its undivided, tongue-shaped leaves. Unlike many ferns, Hart’s Tongue ferns have smooth-edged fronds, giving them a chic and modern appearance in my opinion.

22) Kangaroo Paw Fern (Microsorum diversifolium)

Originating from Australia, the fern’s fronds resemble the paws of a kangaroo. It has irregularly shaped, long, and leathery fronds. These ferns work great on window ledges and bright, sunny spots throughout the home or office.

23) Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

A native to Northern Hemisphere temperate regions, Lady Fern is popular for its delicate, lacy fronds that are bright green in color. In my experience, they require a little more work than other types of ferns but stand out for their elegant appearance.

24) Rosy Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum hispidulum)

Native to the Australasia region, this fern is similar to the Delta Maidenhair but is characterized by its rosy-colored new growth. I find this coloring makes a lovely contrast against the classic forest green of most types of ferns.

25) Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis)

Native to North America and East Asia, it’s called “sensitive” due to its intolerance to frost. However, you shouldn’t have these issues if you’re growing one indoors. Its fronds are light green, coarse, and have a unique bead-like structure.

26) Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)

Native to western North America, the Sword Fern has long, leathery, sword-like fronds that are deep green in color. It’s very adaptable and can tolerate various conditions, making this one of my go-to ferns for easy care.

Wrapping Up

Ferns are a must-have as you grow and expand your indoor plant collection. They add texture and color to any environment, and their low-maintenance nature pleases novices and greenthumbs alike. From hanging planters to bathroom decor, numerous types of indoor ferns add an attractive, rugged accent to any indoor space.

Further reading: Discover the best types of plants for prosperity and wealth in feng shui.