Not everyone is lucky enough to have a sprawling backyard to play in. For many of us, our “outdoor space” is limited to a small balcony—or maybe just a sunny windowsill. The good news? You don’t need a massive garden to enjoy lush greenery. There are plenty of gorgeous fern varieties that actually thrive in containers!
A Few Great Options
If you’re looking to plant some ferns in pots, here are a few of my favorite varieties that do really well in containers:
- Hart’s Tongue Fern
- Staghorn Fern
- Maidenhair Fern
- Holly Fern
- Blue Star Fern
- Deer Fern
- Brake Fern
- Boston Fern
- Spleenwort
- Rabbit’s Foot Fern
- Shield Fern
Bright Light, No Direct Sun
Finding the perfect spot is the secret sauce to a happy potted fern. Whether you’re keeping your pot indoors or setting it out on the patio, lighting is everything. Most ferns can’t handle direct, harsh sunlight—it’ll scorch those delicate fronds in no time. Instead, look for a spot with bright, indirect light or partial shade. Think of it like a forest floor: dappled light is their happy place.
Mastering the Moisture Balance
Watering is where things get a little tricky. Ferns love moisture, but they absolutely hate “wet feet” (standing in soggy soil). To get it right, you need to make sure your pot has excellent drainage. I always recommend adding a layer of fine gravel or sand at the bottom of the container before adding soil.
Besides regular watering, remember that indoor air can be pretty dry. Give your ferns a little misting every now and then to keep the fronds from drying out. Pro tip: use lukewarm water that’s low in lime (rainwater or filtered water is great) to keep them extra happy.
Feeding and Repotting
To keep your fern looking lush, give it some liquid fertilizer about every four to six weeks during the growing season. You can just mix it right into your watering can. A little goes a long way, so I usually suggest using only half the dosage recommended on the bottle.
Finally, don’t forget that your fern will eventually need a bigger home. Depending on how fast it grows, you’ll want to repot it every one to three years. This gives the roots room to breathe and ensures your plant stays healthy for years to come!
