Five Great Indoor Ferns

Southern Living, Jan 2008 by Reed, Rebecca Bull

These tropical beauties warm up a room in no time flat.

Winter's bite: It has you wanting to change your latitude. So add a tropical fern to your favorite room, and you'll have an immediate change of heart. Here are some you'll really love.

1 Australian Tree Fern

(Cyathea cooperi 'Brentwood')

Need something lush to fill that empty spot? Here's your answer. This fern's formidable stature and upward-arching fronds say, "Look at me." It's a great choice for sunrooms and foyers.

Keys to success: This guy loves regular moisture and won't forgive you if you forget. Bright light is a must, but if the frond edges start to brown, find a shadier spot. Mist the trunk and fronds frequently.

2 Bird's Nest Fern

(Asplenium nidus)

This is the easiest fern to grow. Its fronds coil tightly in the center prior to opening, resembling a nest. Pictured is curly 'Victoria' Japanese bird's nest fern (A. antiquum 'Victoria'), prized for its wavy leaf margins.

Keys to success: Tolerant of low light, low humidity, and missed waterings, this fern will surpass your expectations. Just show it a little love by following the instructions described in "Fern SOS" on page 76. Fertilize every six weeks, and mist occasionally if the air is dry.

3 Elkhorn Fern

(Polypodium punctatum 'Grandiceps')

Also known as the cobra fern, this easy tropical is a must-buy. If you can't find it at your local nursery, an Internet search will reveal several sources. The glossy, upright fronds can reach 3 feet in length.

Keys to success: Bright light is preferred, but partial shade is okay. Avoid direct sun. Allow it to dry out slightly between waterings. It grows quickly once established.

4 Crocodile Fern

(Microsorium musifolium 'Crocodyllus')

If your tastes run exotic, you'll love the leaves of this South African native, which mimic the skin of a crocodile. Group several together in a large container in the family room, or use a single plant in the bath, where it will love the extra humidity.

Keys to success: Bright, indirect light and regular water are best, but this fern will tolerate short periods of drought, especially during winter.

5 White Rabbit's Foot Fern

(Humata tyermannii)

Often sold in hanging baskets, this fern can be repotted into any container that shows off its fur-covered feet, which are really rhizomes. This plant does not mind being pot-bound, as long as you water more frequently.

Keys to success: Do not let this fern sit in water, or it will rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize only when new growth is present with a 20-10-20 formulation at one-quarter the rate recommended on the package.