What is the easiest fern to grow indoors?

For most beginners, Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), Kimberley Queen fern (N. obliterata), and blue star fern (Phlebodium aureum) are the most forgiving choices. Boston and Kimberley Queen tolerate typical living-room conditions if humidity stays reasonable and soil remains evenly moist. Blue star handles drier air and slightly brighter light than classic Boston ferns. Avoid maidenhair and heart fern until you have stable humidity.

Are ferns safe for cats and dogs?

Many true ferns, including Boston fern, are listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. That does not mean pets should chew them freely. More importantly, plants sold as asparagus fern or foxtail fern are not true ferns and can be toxic or irritating. Always verify the botanical name on the nursery tag before placing any "fern" within pet reach.

Which ferns can grow outdoors in cold climates?

Hardy options for USDA zones 3–6 include ostrich fern, lady fern, hay-scented fern, male fern, Christmas fern, and cinnamon fern in moist shade. Western sword fern and Hart's tongue fern extend into zone 5–9 depending on cultivar and site moisture. Tropical houseplant ferns sold in indoor sections are not winter-hardy in cold regions.

Can any ferns tolerate full sun?

Most ferns prefer shade or partial shade. Exceptions include Dixie wood fern in consistently moist soil, royal fern in cool climates with wet feet, ribbon fern, and water clover fern at pond edges. Even sun-tolerant ferns need reliable moisture — dry sunny beds will scorch typical woodland species like lady or Christmas fern.

What is the difference between Boston fern and sword fern?

"Sword fern" is a common name applied to several species. Boston fern is usually Nephrolepis exaltata with soft, arching fronds for hanging baskets. Kimberley Queen fern (N. obliterata) is often sold as Australian sword fern with upright fronds. Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum) is a hardy outdoor evergreen native to the Pacific Northwest — a completely different genus and garden role. Check the Latin name before you buy.

35 Types of Fern for Home and Garden

Ferns are ancient plants — fossil records push them past 350 million years — yet the nursery bench still reduces them to one floppy Boston fern in a plastic hanger. Botanists recognize roughly 10,000 fern species worldwide. Home gardeners usually choose from a few dozen cultivated types split across indoor humidity lovers, hardy woodland perennials, epiphytic showpieces, and a handful of wet-garden specialists.

This guide profiles 35 fern types you are most likely to see at garden centers and houseplant shops. You will get decision rules first, then grouped profiles with USDA zones, size, light, and the one care mistake each type punishes hardest. For species-level watering and troubleshooting after you pick a plant, use our indoor fern plant care guide and the linked species guides below.

How to Choose the Right Fern Before You Shop

Buying by photo alone is how ferns die in dry living rooms and shade beds that bake all afternoon. Start with your site, not the tag art.

Match Light, Moisture, and USDA Zone First

Run this three-question filter before you memorize Latin names:

Where will it live? Steamy bathroom and bright indirect window → tropical houseplant ferns (Nephrolepis, Asplenium, Adiantum). Shaded woodland with reliable soil moisture → hardy natives like lady fern or Christmas fern. Pond edge or constantly wet swale → sensitive fern, royal fern, cinnamon fern. Mounted on bark or a board → epiphytes like staghorn and blue star.

How dry is the air and soil? Most true ferns want steady moisture without sogginess. Epiphytes are the exception: the RHS notes epiphytic houseplant ferns prefer compost that dries slightly between waterings while air stays humid. Desert-dry apartments fail maidenhair and Boston ferns fast; blue star and rabbit’s foot tolerate more forgiving indoor air.

What is your USDA zone? Outdoor hardiness is non-negotiable. Ostrich fern thrives in zones 3–7; Australian tree fern needs zones 8–11 frost-free winters. A tropical fern sold as a houseplant will not survive a Michigan planting bed no matter how much you mulch it.

True Ferns vs Fern-Imposter Plants

Two popular “ferns” on this list are not ferns at all. They belong to Asparagus in the asparagus family and reproduce with flowers and berries, not spores.

Asparagus fern with lace-like foliage in a hanging basket — not a true fern

Asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus) and foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus) look ferny but behave like semi-succulent shrubs. The ASPCA lists asparagus fern as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Foxtail fern berries can irritate humans and pets. If pet safety matters, verify the botanical name — “fern” on a pot label is not proof.

True ferns reproduce via spores (often visible as brown dots on frond undersides). NC State Extension points out that Boston fern sori are normal — not insects or disease.

Shared Indoor Fern Care Rules

Indoor ferns share a few non-negotiables regardless of species.

Light, Water, Humidity, and Soil Basics

Light: Bright, indirect light wins for most houseplant ferns. Direct sun through south glass scorches fronds; dim corners produce sparse, yellowing growth. Bathrooms and east windows are classic fits when humidity stays higher.

Water: Keep tropical potting mix evenly moist for terrestrial types like Boston and maidenhair. Let the top inch dry only for epiphytes and blue star. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows — soggy cold roots rot fast.

Humidity: Group plants, use a humidifier, or set pots on pebble trays. Misting helps briefly but does not replace ambient humidity for finicky species.

Soil: Loose, organic, well-draining mix. Epiphytic ferns do better in orchid bark blends than heavy peat alone, per RHS epiphytic guidance.

Temperature: Most indoor ferns prefer 60–75°F (15–24°C) and hate hot dry air from heating vents.

Best Indoor Ferns for Beginners

If you have killed a fern before, start with forgiving species and stable humidity — not the prettiest photo on Instagram.

Boston, Kimberley Queen, and Nephrolepis Types

Boston fern with soft arching fronds in a hanging basket

Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’) — The classic arching basket fern. NC State Extension recommends bright indirect light, 60–70°F, high humidity, and soil that never dries completely. Grows 2–3 ft tall and wide. Hardy outdoors only in zones 10–12; treat as a houseplant elsewhere. The ASPCA lists Boston fern as non-toxic to dogs and cats. Deep care: Boston fern plant hub and indoor fern guide.

Kimberley Queen fern with upright sword-shaped fronds on a shaded porch

Kimberley Queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata) — Upright sword-shaped fronds, less messy than Boston. Easier in heated rooms. Zones 9–11 outdoors. See our Kimberley Queen fern guide.

Macho fern (Nephrolepis biserrata) — Giant sword fern with fronds up to 4 ft in humid conditions. Bold porch or conservatory plant in zones 9–11. Needs space and steady moisture. Macho fern growing guide.

Lemon button fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’) — Compact 12-in. dwarf with a light citrus scent when brushed. Easier than full-size Boston in small apartments. Zones 8–10.

Maidenhair, Bird’s Nest, and Humidity-Loving Species

Maidenhair fern with fan-shaped leaflets on dark wiry stems

Maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum) — Delicate fan-shaped leaflets on black wiry stems. Stunning but unforgiving of dry air. Slow grower. Zones 10–11 outdoors. Maidenhair fern care guide and grow Adiantum ferns.

Bird's nest fern with spoon-shaped fronds in a rosette

Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus) — Spoon-shaped fronds in a rosette; epiphytic in nature. Excellent bathroom plant. Zones 11–12; houseplant elsewhere. Bird’s nest fern guide.

Ribbon fern (Pteris cretica) — Variegated center stripe; tolerates more light than many ferns. Good houseplant with moisture. Zones 9–12.

Crocodile fern (Microsorum musifolium) — Textured “scaly” fronds; slow, tropical. Needs steamy humidity. Zones 10–11.

Heart fern (Hemionitis arifolia) — Tiny heart-shaped leaves; terrarium favorite under 8 in. Zones 10–11.

Japanese holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) — Glossy, holly-like pinnae; more heat-tolerant than many indoor ferns. Evergreen in mild winters. Zones 7–10.

Epiphytic and Mounted Ferns

Epiphytes grow on trees in habitat, not in dense wet soil. They need open bark mixes, high humidity, and careful watering.

Staghorn, Blue Star, Rabbit’s Foot, and Wall Displays

Staghorn fern mounted on wood with antler-shaped fronds

Staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) — Antler-shaped fronds; mount on board or basket. Slow but dramatic. Soak mounts when moss dries. Zones 9–12. RHS lists it among top epiphytic houseplant ferns.

Blue star fern (Phlebodium aureum) — Blue-gray fronds; furry rhizomes creep over pot edges. Tolerates lower humidity and brighter light than Boston. Do not bury surface rhizomes. Zones 9–11.

Rabbit’s foot fern (Davallia fejeensis) — Fuzzy rhizomes spill over hanging baskets. Keep humidity high. Zones 10–12.

Licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) — Pacific Northwest epiphyte on logs and mossy rocks. Surprisingly drought-tolerant once established outdoors. Zones 4–9, up to 1 ft.

Compact and Terrarium Ferns

Button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) — Round leaflets; compact 1-ft mound. Windowsill friendly in zones 9–11.

Lemon button fern — See Nephrolepis section; best beginner compact.

Heart fern — See humidity section; closed terrariums only in dry homes.

Kangaroo paw fern (Microsorum diversifolium) — Variable shiny fronds; forgiving indoor species. Zones 9–11.

Hardy Outdoor Ferns for Shade Gardens

These are the ferns that earn their keep in woodland borders, foundation shade, and native plantings where hostas and hellebores already live.

Woodland Ground Covers and Native North American Types

Japanese painted fern and shade perennials in a woodland-edge garden bed

Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) — Tall vase-shaped clumps 4–6 ft; edible fiddleheads in spring when positively identified and cooked. Loves wet shade. Zones 3–7; struggles in hot southern summers.

Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) — Lacy, fast-spreading deciduous fern. Pest-resistant workhorse. Zones 3–6 (some forms to zone 8).

Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum) — Evergreen Pacific Northwest icon; up to 4 ft. Excellent cut foliage. Zones 5–9.

Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) — Glossy evergreen fronds; winter interest in eastern woodlands. Fronds lie flatter in cold. Zones 3–9.

Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) — Copper-red new growth turning green; neat 2-ft mound. Zones 5–9.

Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum) — Silver-purple fronds; needs moist, well-drained soil — not dry shade. Zones 3–8.

Hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) — Fast colonizer with hay aroma when crushed; can be aggressive — use where you want ground cover. Yellow fall color. Zones 3–8.

Male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) — Large deciduous clumps; low maintenance in moist shade. Zones 4–8.

Japanese tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) — Shuttlecock evergreen form; dislikes waterlogged soil. Zones 6–8.

Hart’s tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) — Unusual undivided strap fronds. Limey or neutral soil in cool climates. Zones 5–9.

Southern shield fern (Thelypteris kunthii) — Sea-green fronds; more drought-tolerant than most ferns once established. Zones 7–10.

Wet-Garden and Bog Ferns

Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) — Named for brown fertile fronds rising from green foliage. Loves wet feet. Zones 4–10.

Royal fern (Osmunda regalis) — Shrub-sized up to 6 ft in moist soil; yellow fall color. Tolerates sun only with constant moisture in cool climates. Zones 3–10.

Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) — Apple-green fronds; dies back with first hard frost. Perfect beside ponds. Zones 4–9.

Sun-Tolerant and Heat-Hardy Exceptions

Most ferns want shade. These break the rule — with limits:

Dixie wood fern (Dryopteris × australis) — Upright hybrid; unusual sun tolerance in moist soil. Zones 5–9.

Ribbon fern and water clover fern — Accept brighter sites if moisture stays high.

Royal fern — Full sun only where summers are cool and soil never dries.

Macho fern and Australian tree fern — Heat and humidity lovers for southern gardens, not northern shade beds.

Tree Ferns and Large Landscape Specimens

Australian tree fern (Cyathea cooperi) — Trunk-forming tropical tree fern up to 25 ft in frost-free climates. Conservatory specimen in cold zones. Protect from hard frost. Zones 8–11.

Royal fern — See wet section; herbaceous giant, not a trunked tree fern.

Ostrich fern — Tall but herbaceous; dies back in winter.

Aquatic and Pond Ferns

Water clover fern (Marsilea mutica) — Four-leaf clover look; aquatic spreader for pond margins. Fast growth — contain it. Zones 5–11; full sun to part shade with wet soil.

Pet Safety: True Ferns vs Asparagus Fern

Many true ferns are considered non-toxic to pets. Boston fern is the common example on ASPCA’s non-toxic list. That does not mean pets should eat houseplants — chewing any foliage can cause stomach upset.

Asparagus fern is toxic. Foxtail fern berries irritate humans and animals. Always confirm the botanical name on the tag, not the common name alone.

For a broader pet-safe plant list, see our pet-safe houseplants guide.

Quick Comparison Table: 35 Fern Types at a Glance

Common name	Botanical name	Best use	USDA zones	Height	Light	Key caution
Ostrich fern	Matteuccia struthiopteris	Wet shade, fiddleheads	3–7	4–6 ft	Part–full shade	Not for hot South
Macho fern	Nephrolepis biserrata	Porch, large pots	9–11	3–8 ft	Part shade	Needs space
Lemon button fern	N. cordifolia ‘Duffii’	Small indoor pots	8–10	12 in.	Part–full shade	Dry air browns tips
Western sword fern	Polystichum munitum	Woodland evergreen	5–9	4 ft	Part–full shade	Slow to establish
Autumn fern	Dryopteris erythrosora	Shade border accent	5–9	2 ft	Full shade	Needs moisture
Lady fern	Athyrium filix-femina	Native shade ground	3–6	3 ft	Part–full shade	Spreads by rhizomes
Japanese painted fern	Athyrium niponicum	Front-of-border color	3–8	18 in.	Part shade	Dry shade fails
Boston fern	Nephrolepis exaltata	Hanging basket indoor	10–12	3 ft	Bright indirect	Low humidity drops fronds
Asparagus fern ⚠	Asparagus aethiopicus	Not a true fern	9–11	3 ft	Part shade	Toxic to pets
Foxtail fern ⚠	Asparagus densiflorus	Outdoor accent	9–11	3 ft	Part shade	Berries irritate
Christmas fern	Polystichum acrostichoides	Winter evergreen	3–9	2 ft	Part–full shade	Fronds flatten in cold
Ribbon fern	Pteris cretica	Indoor, brighter shade	9–12	2 ft	Part sun–shade	Needs steady moisture
Australian tree fern	Cyathea cooperi	Tropical specimen	8–11	25 ft	Part shade	Frost kills trunk
Maidenhair fern	Adiantum raddianum	Humid indoor	10–11	2 ft	Part–full shade	Unforgiving of dry air
Bird’s nest fern	Asplenium nidus	Bathroom epiphyte	11–12	5 ft	Part–full shade	Overwatering rots crown
Rabbit’s foot fern	Davallia fejeensis	Hanging basket	10–12	3 ft	Part shade	Low humidity
Staghorn fern	Platycerium bifurcatum	Wall mount	9–12	3 ft	Bright indirect	Do not overpot
Dixie wood fern	Dryopteris × australis	Sun-tolerant shade	5–9	4 ft	Sun–shade	Still needs moisture
Crocodile fern	Microsorum musifolium	Tropical indoor	10–11	5 ft	Part–full shade	Slow; high humidity
Kimberley Queen fern	Nephrolepis obliterata	Upright indoor/porch	9–11	3 ft	Part–full shade	Less messy than Boston
Cinnamon fern	Osmunda cinnamomea	Bog, stream edge	4–10	5 ft	Part shade	Wet soil essential
Sensitive fern	Onoclea sensibilis	Pond margin	4–9	4 ft	Part–full shade	Frost-sensitive foliage
Kangaroo paw fern	Microsorum diversifolium	Easy indoor	9–11	12 in.	Part shade	Avoid soggy mix
Button fern	Pellaea rotundifolia	Windowsill	9–11	1 ft	Part shade	Do not let dry out fully
Japanese holly fern	Cyrtomium falcatum	Shade ground cover	7–10	2 ft	Part–full shade	Invasive in mild climates
Blue star fern	Phlebodium aureum	Beginner epiphyte	9–11	3 ft	Part–full shade	Burying rhizomes rots
Hay-scented fern	Dennstaedtia punctilobula	Woodland ground cover	3–8	2 ft	Part–full shade	Aggressive spreader
Japanese tassel fern	Polystichum polyblepharum	Evergreen accent	6–8	3 ft	Part–full shade	Hates waterlogged soil
Male fern	Dryopteris filix-mas	Low-care shade	4–8	4 ft	Part–full shade	Allow room to clump
Royal fern	Osmunda regalis	Large wet specimen	3–10	6 ft	Sun–shade	Needs constant moisture
Southern shield fern	Thelypteris kunthii	Heat-tolerant shade	7–10	4 ft	Part–full shade	Drought OK when established
Hart’s tongue fern	Asplenium scolopendrium	Cool shade rockery	5–9	2 ft	Part–full shade	Alkaline soil preference
Heart fern	Hemionitis arifolia	Terrarium	10–11	8 in.	Part shade	Dry air kills
Water clover fern	Marsilea mutica	Pond	5–11	4 in.	Sun–part shade	Invasive in water
Licorice fern	Polypodium glycyrrhiza	Mossy log epiphyte	4–9	1 ft	Part–full shade	West Coast native

⚠ = not a true fern (Asparagus genus)

Conclusion

The right fern is less about picking the prettiest frond photo and more about matching moisture, light, and hardiness to your actual room or garden bed. Start with forgiving indoor types like Boston, Kimberley Queen, or blue star if you are new to ferns. Plant ostrich, Christmas, and lady fern where native shade and soil moisture already support them. Reserve staghorn, bird’s nest, and rabbit’s foot for humid rooms or mounted displays. And always check the tag for Asparagus imposters before you assume a lacy plant is pet-safe.

Once you shortlist a species, dive into our indoor fern plant care guide for watering rhythms and humidity fixes — or the species-specific guides linked above for Boston, maidenhair, macho, Kimberley Queen, and bird’s nest ferns.