Ferns are some of the most elegant, low-maintenance plants you can grow in containers, both indoors and outdoors.
Their lush, green foliage, unique textures, and ability to thrive in shaded or partially sunny environments make them ideal for decorating patios, balconies, living rooms, and garden spaces.
If you’re looking for the best ferns to grow in pots, you’re in the right place!
Below are 10 beautiful ferns that are perfect for container gardening—whether you want to bring greenery indoors or add a touch of nature to your outdoor space.
1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’)
Best for: Hanging baskets, patios, and indoor spaces
The Boston fern is one of the most popular ferns for containers, thanks to its graceful, arching fronds and lush foliage.
It thrives in humid environments and prefers indirect light, making it perfect for bathrooms, shaded patios, and living rooms.
Growing Tips:
- Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Provide high humidity by misting regularly or using a pebble tray.
- Place in bright, indirect light for best growth.
- Avoid exposure to cold drafts in winter.
Fun Fact: Boston ferns are excellent air-purifying plants, helping to remove toxins from indoor air!
2. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)
Best for: Indoor plant lovers who enjoy delicate greenery
Maidenhair ferns are known for their delicate, fan-shaped leaves and thin black stems, giving them an elegant and airy appearance.
They love humidity and shade, making them great for bathrooms, kitchens, and shaded balconies.
Growing Tips:
- Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate leaves.
- Place near a humidifier or mist frequently to prevent drying out.
- Keep in well-draining, rich soil to prevent root rot.
Did You Know? Maidenhair ferns have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties!
3. Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)
Best for: Low-maintenance indoor & outdoor greenery
The Kimberly Queen fern is a more compact, upright alternative to the Boston fern. It’s hardier, tolerates sun and shade, and is ideal for patios, balconies, and entryways.
Growing Tips:
- Can tolerate more sun than other ferns, but prefers partial shade.
- Requires moderate watering—avoid waterlogging the soil.
- Grows well in hanging baskets or decorative pots.
- Can withstand hotter temperatures better than Boston ferns.
Bonus Tip: This fern is also pet-friendly and non-toxic to cats and dogs!
4. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Best for: Indoor and outdoor plant lovers who want a tropical touch
The Bird’s Nest Fern is unique among ferns, with its large, wavy-edged fronds that resemble a bird’s nest. It thrives in low-light conditions, making it one of the best ferns for apartments and offices.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers indirect, low to medium light.
- Keep soil moist but never soggy.
- Avoid watering directly into the center of the plant to prevent rot.
- Loves humidity, so mist frequently or place near a humidifier.
Why You’ll Love It: This fern is slow-growing and incredibly easy to care for, making it perfect for beginners!
5. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium spp.)
Best for: Vertical gardening, wall-mounted decor, and modern homes
The Staghorn fern is one of the most unique ferns you can grow. It doesn’t grow in soil but instead thrives mounted on wood or hanging baskets, making it an excellent decorative plant for walls and indoor spaces.
Growing Tips:
- Requires bright, indirect light.
- Soak the roots once a week instead of regular watering.
- Grows best in moss, bark, or mounted displays rather than traditional pots.
- Prefers moderate to high humidity.
Did You Know? Staghorn ferns naturally grow on tree trunks in rainforests, making them epiphytic plants!
6. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)
Best for: Shaded patios, woodland gardens, and containers with unique color contrast
If you’re looking for a fern with colorful foliage, the Japanese Painted Fern is a perfect choice. Its silver, purple, and green leaves make it a stunning addition to any shade garden or indoor space.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers partial to full shade.
- Needs rich, well-draining soil.
- Water regularly, but avoid soggy conditions.
- Cold hardy—can survive in cooler climates!
Garden Bonus: Japanese Painted Ferns pair beautifully with hostas and shade-loving flowers!
7. Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)
Best for: Outdoor container gardens & seasonal interest
The Autumn Fern gets its name from the reddish-bronze new fronds that mature into lush green. It’s a low-maintenance, shade-loving fern that looks great in container gardens.
Growing Tips:
- Requires moist, well-draining soil.
- Does well in full shade to partial sun.
- Grows best in cool, humid climates.
- Trim old fronds for a tidier appearance.
💡Why It’s Special: Its changing foliage colors make it eye-catching year-round!
8. Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)
Best for: Low-light areas and year-round greenery
The Holly Fern gets its name from its glossy, holly-like leaves. It’s one of the best ferns for low-light conditions, making it a great indoor plant.
Growing Tips:
- Grows well in low to medium light.
- Prefers cooler temperatures and moist soil.
- Tolerates dry indoor air better than other ferns.
Fun Fact: Holly Ferns are cold-hardy, making them ideal for outdoor winter gardens!
9. Leatherleaf Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis)
Best for: Low-maintenance, lush green foliage in shade gardens
The Leatherleaf Fern is one of the hardiest ferns for containers, thriving in low-light and humid environments.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers shade and moist soil.
- Tolerates dry indoor air better than most ferns.
- Grows best in hanging baskets or floor planters.
Why You’ll Love It: Leatherleaf Fern is virtually indestructible, making it perfect for beginners!
10. Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis)
Best for: Hanging baskets and quirky plant lovers
The Rabbit’s Foot Fern gets its name from its fuzzy, root-like rhizomes that creep over the edge of its pot. It’s a fun and unique fern for hanging containers.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Water lightly but consistently.
- Avoid covering the fuzzy rhizomes, as they absorb moisture!
Fun Fact: The “rabbit’s feet” rhizomes store extra moisture, helping the plant survive drier conditions!
Ferns are versatile, easy to grow, and perfect for containers indoors and outdoors.
Whether you prefer a hanging Boston fern or a wall-mounted Staghorn fern, there’s a perfect fern for every plant lover!
