Ferns have a magical quality that enhances the look of other plants around them. When I gaze upon the lush fronds of ferns sharing a windowsill with blooming Phalaenopsis on a cold day in January, winter suddenly becomes a season to savor!
Ferns are ancient plants that conjure up images of luxuriant green growth in tropical jungles, rainforests and mossy forest floors like those of the Pacific Northwest. Several varieties are extremely hardy such as the Northern Maidenhair Fern which can survive the arctic temperatures of US Hardiness Zone 2 at minus 40 degrees, but those that grow in our homes prefer a much gentler environment.
Did you know that Pteridomania or ‘fern fever’ was an actual craze in Victorian England? The Victorians were so enamored of ferns that whole expeditions were made to procure them in the wild, hunting some to near extinction! Ferneries or specialized greenhouses devoted to ferns were attached to many grand homes while elegant glass Wardian cases or early terrariums protected precious specimens in aristocratic parlors. Lush indoor ferns had become a status symbol!
If you’d like to learn more about fern fever, Sarah Whittingham has written a couple of fascinating books on the subject and I’ve included the links below.
Along with other tropical plants such as palms, bromeliads
So, how do I keep my ferns happy? Many fern enthusiasts advise placing humidifiers nearby and/or spritzing the plants with water a couple of times a day. Since I keep a lot of plants around and my house isn’t particularly dry, I don’t do either of those things but
- KOREAN ROCK FERN
Introduced into this country via East Asian countries, the Korean Rock Fern now grows wild in some regions of Florida and Louisiana. So named because this fern likes growing in moist rocky areas, it also adapts well to being grown indoors in pots. An elegant and graceful plant, The Korean Rock Fern appreciates being kept evenly moist and prefers a home away from direct sunlight.
- BIRD’S NEST FERN, CRISPY WAVE FERN
The Bird’s Nest Fern grows in the wild as an epiphyte or plant that attaches itself to trees or other structures. The open center of the plant, where the new fronds emerge, gives the plant its nest-like appearance. Bird’s Nest Ferns are among those plants listed as natural air purifiers, helping to remove harmful particles from the air in our homes. There are many varieties, some with curly, wavy or crinkly leaves that give these plants a unique look in the world of ferns. Like most ferns, the Crispy Wave Fern appreciates being kept moist but will also tolerate periods of dryness without drooping. Low to medium light is best but more light actually enhances the decorative crinkling. Keep it out of direct sunlight, however, which will yellow the leaves.
- RABBIT’S FOOT FERN, PAW FERN
The creeping, long, silvery haired rhizomes of the Rabbit’s Foot Fern make it look like a cross between a creature and a plant but the delicate fronds are distinctly fern-like in appearance. These exotic plants grow into stunning mature specimens that visitors cannot help but notice! They flourish with consistent moisture and bright indirect light.
- PTERIS FERN, RIBBON FERN
If you’re up for a challenge, Pteris Ferns require a little more care than those mentioned above but their tropical beauty makes them well worth the effort. They are delicate plants in that the leaves can easily be bent or broken, so it’s best to keep them out of harm’s way where they won’t be brushed up against and damaged. Consistent moisture is the key to success with these ferns but they resent being waterlogged so
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