Best Hanging Ferns: A Complete Guide
Are you looking to add some greenery to your home without taking up floor space? Hanging ferns are a perfect solution.
They add a touch of nature to any room, balcony, or patio. But choosing the right fern and caring for it can be overwhelming.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the best hanging ferns and how to care for them.
Best Hanging Ferns
1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): The Boston Fern is a popular choice because of its lush, green foliage and easy maintenance.
It is native to tropical regions and thrives in warm climates. It requires moderate sunlight and moist soil, making it an ideal indoor plant.
2. Dallas Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata Dallasii): The Dallas Fern is a variegated version of the Boston Fern.
It has a unique pattern with white and green leaves and resembles a snowflake. It requires the same conditions as the Boston Fern.
3. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum): The Maidenhair Fern is a delicate and elegant fern that adds a touch of sophistication to any room.
It has lacy, black stems and feathery, green fronds that can grow up to 24 inches in length. It requires bright, indirect sunlight and humid conditions.
4. Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata): The Kimberly Queen Fern has large, upright fronds that can grow up to 3 feet in length.
It is a low-maintenance fern that requires moderate sunlight and moist soil. 5.
Hay Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula): The Hay Scented Fern is a native fern of North America. It has a unique, sweet fragrance that resembles freshly mowed hay.
It grows well in shaded areas and requires moist soil. 6.
Tiger Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata Tiger Fern): The Tiger Fern has a distinct, tiger-striped pattern on its leaves. It requires the same conditions as the Boston Fern.
7. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus aethiopicus): The Asparagus Fern is not a true fern but a relative of the asparagus plant.
It has bushy, green fronds and small, white flowers. It requires bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil.
8. Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina): The Lady Fern is a graceful fern with delicate, lacy fronds.
It thrives in shaded areas and requires moist soil. 9.
Giant Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum): The Giant Sword Fern is a sturdy fern that can grow up to 6 feet in length. It requires shaded areas and moist soil.
10. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium): The Staghorn Fern is a unique fern that grows on trees and walls.
It has large, antler-shaped fronds and requires humid conditions. 11.
Kangaroo Fern (Microsorum pustulatum): The Kangaroo Fern has leathery, green fronds that resemble kangaroo paws. It requires bright, indirect sunlight and moist soil.
12. Rabbits Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis): The Rabbits Foot Fern is a unique fern that has furry, rhizomatous roots that resemble a rabbit’s foot.
It requires bright, indirect sunlight and moist soil. 13.
Mahogany Fern (Didymochlaena truncatula): The Mahogany Fern has a distinctive, mahogany-colored stem and shiny, green fronds. It requires shaded areas and humid conditions.
14. Fox Tail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus): The Fox Tail Fern has bushy, green fronds that resemble a fox’s tail.
It requires bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil.
Growing Conditions of Boston Fern
The Boston Fern is a popular hanging fern that requires specific growing conditions. Here are the growing conditions for a healthy Boston Fern:
1.
Warm Climate: Boston Ferns thrive in warm climates with a temperature range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It grows well during spring to autumn and requires a cooler temperature during winter.
2. Indirect Sunlight: The Boston Fern requires bright, indirect sunlight.
Direct sunlight can harm the leaves and dry out the soil. 3.
Humidity: The Boston Fern requires high humidity levels, especially in dry environments. You can increase humidity levels by misting the fronds with water, placing a humidifier nearby, or placing a tray of water beneath the fern.
4. Moist Soil: The Boston Fern requires moist, well-draining soil.
It needs to be watered regularly and kept evenly moist. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to ensure that the soil has good drainage.
5. Fertilizer: The Boston Fern benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season.
You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer pellets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding hanging ferns to your home can create a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Choosing the right fern and providing adequate care is crucial to its health and longevity.
By following the growing conditions outlined for the Boston Fern and selecting from our list of the best hanging ferns, you can have a beautiful and thriving fern in your home. Dallas Fern: A Low-Maintenance, Low-Light Option
The Dallas Fern is a variegated version of the Boston Fern and is native to tropical regions.
It’s a perfect choice for those who prefer lower maintenance ferns with attractive white and green leaves. In this article, we will discuss the Dallas Fern’s growing conditions and how to care for it.
Growing Conditions of Dallas Fern
The Dallas Fern is a low-maintenance fern that thrives in low-light conditions. Here are the growing conditions for a healthy Dallas Fern:
1.
Low-Light: The Dallas Fern requires low to medium indirect light. It thrives in low-light areas, such as hallways, bathrooms, and other areas with minimal natural light.
2. Moist Soil: The Dallas Fern needs well-draining soil that is continuously moist.
Overwatering can cause root rot. A good way to check if it’s time to water is to stick your finger in the soil.
If it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water the fern.
3.
Humidity: Similar to other ferns, it requires high humidity levels. You can increase humidity levels by misting the leaves with a spray bottle.
Another option is to place a humidifier in the room or a tray of water near the plant. 4.
Temperature: The Dallas Fern grows best in temperatures ranging from 60F to 75F. It can tolerate some temperature changes, but avoid placing it in areas with extreme temperatures.
5. Fertilizer: The Dallas Fern benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season.
However, avoid over-fertilizing your fern as it can cause harm. Instead, use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season to supply it with necessary nutrients.
6. Repotting: Repotting the Dallas Fern once every two years will help it grow better and maintain good health.
Be sure to use a pot that is slightly bigger than the previous one. Maidenhair Fern: A Perfect Choice for Low Light and Dry Conditions
The Maidenhair Fern is a delicate and elegant fern that is best known for its attractive foliage.
It has lacy, black stems and feathery, green fronds and requires low light, dry air, and dry soil. In this section, we will discuss the Maidenhair Fern’s growing conditions and how to care for it.
Growing Conditions of Maidenhair Fern
The Maidenhair Fern is a species that requires specific growing conditions to flourish. Here are the growing conditions for a healthy Maidenhair Fern:
1.
Low Light: The Maidenhair Fern prefers indirect to low light. Direct light can harm the leaves and dry out the soil.
2. Dry Soil: The Maidenhair Fern thrives in soil that is dry to the touch.
Watering should be done once a week, as overwatering can cause root rot.
3.
Humidity: The Maidenhair Fern needs high levels of humidity to thrive. You can increase humidity levels by misting the fronds with water, placing a humidifier nearby, or placing a tray of water beneath the fern.
4. Temperature: The Maidenhair Fern grows best in temperatures ranging from 60F to 75F.
Just like the Dallas Fern, it can tolerate some temperature changes, but avoid placing it in areas with extreme temperatures. 5.
Soil: The Maidenhair Fern needs well-draining soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. Avoid using heavy soil as it can cause root rot.
6. Repotting: The Maidenhair Fern is a small fern and doesn’t require repotting as often as other ferns.
Repot it once every two to three years, preferably in the spring. 7.
Fertilizer: The Maidenhair Fern benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once every other month to supply it with necessary nutrients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ferns are an excellent choice for those looking to add greenery to their home. The Dallas Fern and the Maidenhair Fern are both low-light options, making them perfect for indoor environments with minimal natural light.
By following the growing conditions outlined for the Dallas Fern and the Maidenhair Fern, you can have a healthy and thriving fern in your home. Kimberly Queen Fern: Ideal
Growing Conditions and Care
The Kimberly Queen Fern is a popular fern among gardeners and plant enthusiasts for its upright, giant form and attractive green foliage.
It’s easy to take care of and grows well in a variety of lighting conditions. In this section, we will discuss the ideal growing conditions and care tips to keep your Kimberly Queen Fern healthy.
Growing Conditions of Kimberly Queen Fern
1. Soil: The Kimberly Queen Fern requires well-draining soil with moisture-retaining capacity.
Use a potting mix with peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite to provide adequate drainage and hold moisture. 2.
Watering: Water your Kimberly Queen Fern once every week. Make sure the topsoil is dry before watering it.
Over-watering can cause root rot, so be careful not to over-water. 3.
Lighting: Kimberly Queen Ferns require moderate to bright, indirect light. It’s best to place them by a north or east-facing window for optimal lighting.
Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the afternoons when it’s scorching hot. 4.
Temperature: The Kimberly Queen Fern does well in a range of temperatures, from 60F to 75F. Avoid sudden temperature changes as it can cause harm to the fern.
5. Fertilizer: A nitrogen-rich fertilizer is ideal for the Kimberly Queen Fern.
During the growing season, fertilize it twice a month using a balanced liquid fertilizer or time-release pellets. 6.
Repotting: Repot your Kimberly Queen Fern once every two years. Choose a container that is slightly larger than the previous pot, and don’t forget to provide adequate drainage.
Hay Scented Fern: Hardy Plant for Temperate Regions
The Hay Scented Fern is a hardy and low-maintenance fern that is popular among gardeners for its tolerance of different conditions and its delicate fragrance that resembles fresh hay. In this section, we will discuss the ideal growing conditions and care tips to keep your Hay Scented Fern healthy.
Growing Conditions of Hay Scented Fern
1. Soil: The Hay Scented Fern thrives in well-draining soil that is on the acidic side.
It prefers soil with a pH level of 4.5 to 6.5.
2. Watering: The Hay Scented Fern is drought-tolerant and doesn’t require frequent watering.
Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. 3.
Lighting: The Hay Scented Fern is a shade-loving plant that thrives in heavily shaded areas. It grows well in woodland gardens and under trees.
4. Temperature: The Hay Scented Fern is a hardy fern that can tolerate a range of temperatures from -50F to 100F.
It’s ideal for temperate regions with chilly winters and hot summers. 5.
Fertilizer: The Hay Scented Fern doesn’t require frequent fertilization. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, in early spring.
6. Repotting: The Hay Scented Fern doesn’t require frequent repotting, and it can grow outdoors where it can reach a height of two feet and spread over an area of three feet.
7. Autumn: In autumn, as the fern dies back, don’t worry, and let the leaves decompose where they are.
This will add nutrients to the soil and provide natural mulch for the plant, which in return will help it grow better in the coming year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ferns are excellent plants to keep inside your house or grow in your garden. The Kimberly Queen Fern is a well-known fern that requires well-draining soil, moisture-retaining capacity, and nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
Meanwhile, the Hay Scented Fern is one of the hardiest ferns and suitable for temperate regions with unique growing conditions, like shade-loving and drought-tolerant. By following the ideal conditions and care tips outlined above, you are sure to grow healthy and thriving ferns that will add beauty to your home or garden.
Tiger Fern:
Growing Conditions and Combining Plantings
The Tiger Fern is a unique variation of the Boston Fern, known for its metallic strips that resemble the stripes of a tiger. This low-maintenance fern is easy to grow and can be planted both indoors and outdoors.
In this section, we discuss the growing conditions and how to combine planting with the Tiger Fern.
Growing Conditions of Tiger Fern
1. Temperature: The Tiger Fern requires warm temperatures ranging from 60F to 70F.
Avoid placing the ferns in areas with cold drafts. 2.
Lighting: The Tiger Fern grows best in medium to low indirect light, which makes it an excellent option for indoor spaces. If you’re placing it outdoors, try not to keep it in direct sunlight throughout the day.
3. Watering: The Tiger Fern needs to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist.
However, be careful not to overwater it, as this can cause root rot. 4.
Soil: The Tiger Fern needs well-draining soil with compost that is rich in nutrients. You can mix sand and perlite to increase drainage.
5. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season to supply the fern with necessary nutrients.
Combining Plantings with Tiger Fern
The Tiger Fern is an excellent plant to combine with different plant species to create stunning planters. The key to success with combining plantings is to make sure that all the plants have similar growing requirements.
Below are some combinations that would complement the Tiger Fern beautifully:
1. Combination One: The Tiger Fern with Vibrant Flowers – Combine the Tiger Fern with flowering plants, like Petunias, in a hanging basket or on a balcony.
These vibrant flowers’ colors will complement the fern’s lush green foliage and metallic stripes perfectly. 2.
Combination Two: The Tiger Fern with Trailing Plants – Pairing the Tiger Fern with trailing plants, like trailing Succulents or Pothos, can create a beautiful cascading effect for a hanging basket or planter. 3.
Combination Three: The Tiger Fern with Bushy Plants – Combine the Tiger Fern with bushy plants like Maranta or Calathea to complement its look. This combination can add an exotic touch to your balcony garden or indoor plant collection.
Asparagus Fern: Unique and Suitable
Growing Conditions
Asparagus Fern, which is also known as Asparagus setaceus, is not a true fern but is named superficially as such. It has needle-like leaves and a feathery nature that grows long with feathery leaves.
It’s suitable for those in warmer climates but can also be grown indoors during the winter. In this section, we will discuss the growing conditions and how to take care of Asparagus Fern.