Growing ferns in containers is easy. They require moist soil, regular watering, and dappled shade.
These shade-loving plants can be grown alone or mixed with other plants in various container combinations.
1. Lady Fern
A finely textured ornamental foliage plant that you can grow in containers easily. Place the plant in a partially to fully shaded spot in cooler zones.
Keep the soil moist and choose a small to medium sized pot; you can also grow lady fern in hanging baskets.
2. Shaggy Shield Fern
Also called the Black Wood Fern, this evergreen fern sports medium-sized clumps of mild green, lacy fronds borne on black stems.
With an arching habit and a stiff appearance, the Shield Fern does a good job of offsetting the bright colors of the interiors.
It is often used in conjunction with other shade-loving plants such as Hostas. Grow this plant in a partially shaded spot, in an average sized container, using moist, well-drained potting soil.
3. Sunset Fern
This gorgeous evergreen fern forms a shuttlecock of delicate, arching fronds that appear coppery-red at first and dark green when mature.
This lovely transition of colors is the reason behind its name. Perfect for containers, in a semi-shade spots with moist soil, this robust plant maintains a striking look all through summer and fall.
Plant with Epimediums and Jack Frost for an eye-catchy burst of colors.
4. Hay Scented Fern
Hayscented fern is so named because it has the typical fragrance of hay, especially at the end of the growing season when the fronds are developing a rusty-brown color.
In fall, the fronds adopt an orange hue, providing a stunning background to ordinary green plants. It grows up to 1 – 3 feet tall, a 10 – 12 inches deep pot is sufficient for its growth.
5. Kimberley Queen Fern
While it does have a preference for shade, it does well if exposed to full sun for some time, as long as it gets regular water.
Fertilizing is not really needed but is recommended for adding a boost of color to dull foliage. A vigorous and highly adaptable grower, this versatile fern is a great choice for growing in containers as a houseplant or outside.
6. Tiger Fern
Brilliant green leaflets with metallic stripes make the Tiger Fern a nice conversation starter.
This plant is a quick grower and works well either solo or as a companion houseplant in baskets and containers, keep it in a part sun in a cool climate and in the shade in hot regions
7. Autumn Fern
Autumn fern is root hardy in cooler regions, down to Zone 5 and evergreen in warmer Zones. Valued for its coppery-red leaves that offer beauty all throughout the growing season.
The fronds are long, slender and add a lacy finish to a woodland setting. This plant prefers warm and humid settings and performs well if given proper shade and moisture.
8. Boston Fern
A close relative of the sword fern, this elegant, old-fashioned plant is valued for its leathery, kelly-green foliage. With its ruffled leaves and gracefully arching fronds, it’s easy to see why it’s so admired worldwide.
9. Japanese Painted Fern
This fern stands out from the regular green shades of common ferns with its gorgeous, silvery foliage.
The fronds have an exotic airbrushed appearance with metallic markings and brilliant garnet-colored veins that really steal the show. It prefers morning sun and light shade throughout the day.
10. Holly Fern
Popular for its heat tolerance and shiny green foliage, Holly fern can be an elegant addition to your plant collection. It has been named for its holly-like leaves and is usually grown to provide a lush green contrast to more colorful annuals and perennials.
And while it doesn’t tolerate very low temperatures, holly fern does thrive in moderately harsh winters and prefers warm climates.