Ferns are graceful, elegant plants that can add beauty and texture to any indoor or outdoor space. With their delicate, arching fronds and lush green foliage, ferns are excellent choices for container gardening. Growing ferns in pots allows you to place them in prime locations to show off their fabulous forms.
When choosing ferns for pots, consider their mature size, growth habit, and environmental needs. Select varieties that will thrive in a potted environment and fit the space you plan to place them.
Here are 10 of the best ferns to grow in pots for gorgeous greenery
1. Kimberly Queen Fern
With ruffled, bright green fronds, the Kimberly queen fern is a compact variety that reaches just 12-18 inches tall and wide This small stature makes it an ideal choice for containers and tabletops Kimberly queen ferns thrive in medium to bright light with consistent moisture. Grow them in zones 9-11.
2. Boston Fern
A classic houseplant Boston ferns have long graceful fronds that cascade attractively over pot rims. They can spread up to 5 feet wide when happy. Boston ferns require high humidity and filtered light. Keep them trimmed to maintain their flowing shape. Grow Boston ferns in zones 9-11.
3. Silver Lady Fern
The silver lady fern is a lovely variety with gray-green fronds and burgundy stems. It grows 12-18 inches tall and wide, perfect for small to medium planters. Give this fern partial shade and frequent watering. It thrives in zones 4-9.
4. Japanese Tassel Fern
Also called Japanese polytail fern, this beauty has long, narrow fronds that can reach 2-3 feet long. The lacy texture and cascading shape make a lovely display in pots and baskets. Japanese tassel fern grows well in zones 7-10 with partial shade and ample moisture.
5. Autumn Fern
Emerging copper-colored, the semi-evergreen autumn fern keeps its flair well into fall before fading to green. Its colorful young foliage provides long lasting beauty and interest when grown in containers. Autumn ferns reach 18-24 inches tall. Give them partial sun to shade in zones 5-9.
6. Southern Maidenhair Fern
Valued for its delicate, lacy texture, the southern maidenhair fern has tiny leaflets on wiry stems. This airy fern grows 12-18 inches tall. Southern maidenhair thrives in warm zones 8-11 with consistently damp soil. Use it in hanging baskets or decorative ceramic pots.
7. Japanese Painted Fern
One of the showiest ferns, Japanese painted fern has fronds colored silver, red, and green for a striated effect. It handles partial shade well and spreads 18-24 inches. The brilliant colors of this variety make it a stunning addition to mixed containers. Grow it in zones 4-9.
8. Western Sword Fern
With deep green, arching fronds, western sword fern develops a substantial base over time. It can reach an impressive 3-5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. For zones 7-9, grow western sword ferns in partial shade with regular water. Give them ample room to spread in large pots.
9. Macho Fern
Reaching up to 6 feet tall and wide, the exceptionally hardy macho fern has bold, architectural form. Its large size makes it ideal for the ground in mild climates but also for spacious porch pots. Macho fern thrives with medium moisture and partial sun to shade. Grow it in zones 9-11.
10. Lady Fern
A deciduous variety, lady ferns emerge lime green before fading to deep green. They spread 18-24 inches wide with lacy fronds. Lady ferns make great seasonal accent plants and combine well with evergreen varieties. Grow them in partial shade and moist soil in zones 3-8.
When choosing pots for ferns, select wider containers to give their roots room to spread. Shallow pots work well since ferns have fibrous, horizontal root structures. Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
With the right growing conditions and care, stunning ferns can thrive planted in containers. Their graceful forms and lovely green textures will enhance patios, porches, and living spaces.
The Best Ferns for Container Gardening and Tips for Successful Care
Ferns are a versatile and visually appealing addition to any garden, but they can also thrive beautifully in pots and containers. Their lush, feathery fronds and vibrant green colors make them attractive for indoor and outdoor spaces. This comprehensive guide will explore some of the best fern varieties for container gardening and provide essential tips to ensure their successful growth and maintenance.
Whether youre a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this guide will help you create a thriving fern-filled oasis in your own space.
Tips for Successful Care of Ferns in Containers:
Once youve chosen the suitable ferns for your container garden, providing them with the proper care is essential to ensure their health and vitality.
Here are some valuable tips for successful fern care:
Choose the Right Container: Select pots or containers with good drainage to prevent waterlogging, as ferns dislike sitting in standing water. Ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the ferns root system and allow room for growth.
- Use Quality Potting Mix: Ferns thrive in a well-draining potting mix that retains moisture without becoming soggy. A blend of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark is suitable. Consider adding organic matter like compost to improve soil structure.
- Provide Adequate Drainage: To enhance drainage, use pots with drainage holes and place a layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom of the container. Elevate the pot on pot feet or bricks to prevent it from sitting directly on a saucer.
- Light Requirements: Understand the light preferences of your chosen fern variety and place the container accordingly. Ensure your fern receives the right amount of light, whether its full shade, partial shade, or indirect sunlight. Rotate the container occasionally to ensure even growth.
- Watering: Consistent moisture is crucial for ferns—water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Watering from the bottom by placing the pot in a saucer of water for a short time can help ferns absorb moisture efficiently. Avoid overhead watering, as it can lead to fungal issues.
- Humidity: Ferns thrive in high-humidity environments. To increase humidity around your container ferns, regularly mist them or place a tray of water and pebbles near the container.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your ferns with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Reduce fertilization during the winter months when ferns are less active.
- Pruning and Maintenance: Trim dead or yellowing fronds to encourage new growth and maintain the plants appearance. Report your fern every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
- Pest and Disease Management: Look for common fern pests like mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. If an infestation occurs, treat it promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Maintain good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
- Winter Care: If you live in a climate with harsh winters, consider bringing your container ferns indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures. Please place them in a bright, cool room away from direct heat sources.
Container gardening with ferns can be a rewarding and visually stunning endeavor. By selecting suitable fern varieties and following these essential care tips, you can create a thriving fern-filled oasis in your own space, whether a cozy indoor corner or a charming outdoor patio. Remember that patience and consistent care are crucial to enjoying the lush beauty of ferns in containers. With proper attention, your ferns will flourish, providing you with years of natural elegance and tranquility.
Top Ferns for Container Gardening: A Green Touch for Your Home
Ferns are often overlooked in container gardening, yet they offer a stunning elegance that can transform any space. Their graceful fronds create a serene atmosphere that is both inviting and peaceful. Potting ferns is a beautiful way to bring their charm indoors or to add liveliness to patios. Some varieties thrive beautifully in pots, allowing you to appreciate their natural beauty up close.
Among the top picks is the Boston Fern, cherished for its dense, feathery leaves. This fern loves humid environments and regular watering, making it an excellent fit for shaded patios or bathrooms with abundant moisture. Providing it with slightly acidic, well-draining soil will help it flourish. Another lovely choice is the Maidenhair Fern, which showcases delicate, fan-shaped leaves that add a touch of sophistication. It prefers filtered light and requires consistently moist soil, so regular attention to watering is critical.
The Kimberly Queen Fern is another fantastic option, known for its upright, sword-like fronds. Unlike the Boston Fern, this variety can handle more sunlight, making it ideal for spaces with dappled light. Additionally, its low maintenance with less shedding. For those looking for something unique, the Rabbits Foot Fern stands out with its fuzzy rhizomes that spread across the soils surface. It thrives in low light, perfect for those snug indoor nooks.
Tips for Caring for Potted Ferns
To successfully grow potted ferns, start with the correct container. Choose pots with good drainage to avoid overly wet roots, as ferns can easily suffer from rot due to overwatering. Combining peat moss, perlite, and potting soil creates an outstanding moisture retention and airflow balance. Position your ferns in spots with indirect sunlight, steering clear of harsh, direct rays that can damage their delicate fronds.
Regular watering is crucial since ferns prefer consistency. Keep the soil moist without waterlogging, and consider misting the foliage during dry spells to keep them happy. Feeding ferns with a diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks during their growing period helps keep their vibrant green colors shining. And as they grow, dont hesitate to divide them to start fresh with new pots.
By selecting suitable ferns for your containers and giving them the proper care, you can enjoy these plants lush, vibrant beauty even in the tiniest of spaces.
7 EASY FERNS to Grow Indoors — Ep. 190
FAQ
Do ferns grow well in containers?
As long as they get the near-constant moisture and well-draining soil they crave. Luckily, these are conditions that are easy to provide in containers. As you begin to move outside to enjoy the shade outside, think about adding graceful, airy ferns to your plantings.
Do ferns need sun or shade?
What is the most low maintenance fern?
Lemon button ferns love moisture! This fern is great for beginner growers, since it’s “drought tolerant” (aka if you forget to water it for a bit, it won’t instantly die), and its small size means it’s a low-commitment decor item.
Can potted ferns stay outside?
There are different types of fern plants that can be grown indoors as well as outdoors. The indoor fern plants might need a little bit of more watering while the outdoor fern plants can thrive well in predominantly shady lawn and garden areas. Ferns are among the few species of non-flowering plants.