Many types of ferns grow in damp forests, shaded gardens, and even indoors, thriving in low light and high moisture. These non-flowering plants have feathery leaves called fronds and reproduce using spores instead of seeds.
This post lists their names with pictures. You’ll learn common fern species found around the world, grouped to support better plant and nature vocabulary.
Types of Ferns
Ferns grow in many shapes and sizes, and each kind has its own leaf style and way of growing. Below is a list of common types of ferns you might see in gardens, forests, or even inside homes.
- Boston fern
- Sword fern
- Maidenhair fern
- Staghorn fern
- Bird’s nest fern
- Ostrich fern
- Bracken fern
- Lady fern
- Christmas fern
- Holly fern
- Cinnamon fern
- Royal fern
- Japanese painted fern
- Southern shield fern
- Sensitive fern
- Lemon button fern
- Foxtail fern
- Asparagus fern
- Rabbit’s foot fern
- Deer fern
- Kangaroo paw fern
- Tree fern
- Button fern
- Delta maidenhair fern
- Silver lace fern
Indoor Types of Ferns
Some ferns grow well indoors. Below is a list of indoor fern types that are easy to grow in low light.
Small Ferns for Pots
These ferns stay compact and are perfect for tabletops, shelves, or small containers.
- Button Fern: Stays compact with round leaves; fits well in small pots and needs little care.
- Lemon Button Fern: Has tiny leaves and a soft lemon scent; grows well in limited space.
- Rabbit’s Foot Fern: Fuzzy roots spill over the pot’s edge; it enjoys light and needs gentle watering.
Shade Ferns for Indoors
These ferns grow well without direct sunlight. Below is a list of shade-loving fern types for indoor settings.
- Boston Fern: Arching green fronds; does well in hanging pots with soft, filtered light.
- Bird’s Nest Fern: Grows in a round shape; its smooth fronds prefer low indoor light.
- Maidenhair Fern: Delicate and airy; needs moisture and grows best in shady corners.
Outdoor Types of Ferns
Ferns that grow well in gardens or wild areas are listed below. These handle changing weather and ground conditions.
Cold-Hardy Ferns
- Christmas Fern: Keeps its green fronds through winter; it’s sturdy and grows in rocky or shady garden spots.
- Lady Fern: Delicate, feathery leaves; grows fast and thrives in cool, moist areas of the yard.
- Cinnamon Fern: Known for its cinnamon-colored stalk; grows in damp soil and light woodland shade.
- Royal Fern: Tall and bold; its leaf tips look like flower buds and it enjoys wet garden corners.
Tropical Garden Ferns
- Staghorn Fern: Grows on trees or walls; its antler-like fronds love warm air and regular misting.
- Bird’s Nest Fern: Forms a tight rosette of shiny green fronds; perfect for warm gardens with shade.
- Foxtail Fern: Has soft, bushy stems shaped like a fox’s tail; likes bright, indirect sun and rich soil.
- Kangaroo Paw Fern: Shiny, wide leaves shaped like paws; handles heat and dry air better than most ferns.
Ferns by Leaf Shape
Ferns have many leaf shapes. Below is a list showing how their fronds look and grow.
- Feather Ferns: Ferns like Lady Fern and Ostrich Fern have soft, feathery fronds.
- Antler Ferns: Staghorn Fern is the best example with its wide, branching fronds shaped like antlers.
Ferns for Gardens
These ferns are often planted in outdoor spaces. Below is a list of fern types suited for landscaping.
Easy-Care Ferns
These ferns need very little work to stay healthy. They’re great for beginners or busy gardeners.
- Sword Fern: Grows upright with long fronds; it’s hardy, drought-tolerant, and perfect for low-maintenance garden beds.
- Christmas Fern: Keeps its green leaves all year; grows in clumps and doesn’t need much trimming or watering.
- Leatherleaf Fern: Has dark, shiny fronds that don’t fade easily; it stays tidy and needs only light care.
Spreading Ferns
These ferns fill garden spaces fast. Below is a list of ferns that grow wide and cover the ground well.
- Bracken Fern: Spreads quickly through underground stems; often used to cover open garden spaces or wild patches.
- Sensitive Fern: Grows in moist soil and spreads in shady corners; dies back in cold but returns each spring.
- Southern Shield Fern: Tough and fast-growing; fills in empty spots and handles sun or shade without much fuss.
Types of Ferns by Habitat
Some ferns prefer specific environments. Below is a list of ferns based on where they naturally grow.
Woodland Ferns
These ferns grow in shaded forest areas with rich soil and cool air. They do well under trees.
- Deer Fern: Grows low to the ground in shady forests; has upright and flat fronds that look very different.
- Lady Fern: Known for its lacy fronds; it grows well along forest paths and moist woodland slopes.
- Sensitive Fern: Called “sensitive” because it dies back quickly when frost or dry weather hits.
Swamp Ferns
These ferns love wet, boggy land. Below is a list of ferns that grow in marshes and near streams.
- Royal Fern: Grows near ponds and swamps; its leaf tips sometimes look like tiny flower clusters.
- Cinnamon Fern: Thrives in wet soil and shade; its central stalk is tall and cinnamon-colored.
Air Ferns
These grow without soil, often clinging to trees, rocks, or hanging baskets. They get water from the air.
- Staghorn Fern: Grows on walls or trees with antler-shaped fronds; it only needs misting and indirect light.
- Rabbit’s Foot Fern: Known for its furry roots that crawl over the pot; grows well with little soil and care.
Conclusion on Types of Ferns
Understanding the types of ferns helps build clear English vocabulary around plants and nature. From tree ferns to bird’s nest ferns, each name connects to its shape, habitat, or use. This list gives you the most common fern names used in homes, gardens, and forests. With their unique fronds and forms, ferns are a great way to learn new words in context. Use the examples and categories to grow your word knowledge with clarity and purpose.
FAQs About Types of Ferns
The Boston fern is the most popular indoor fern due to its lush arching fronds and ease of care.
Yes many fern types like Ostrich fern, Lady fern, and Christmas fern thrive outdoors in shaded, moist settings.
Absolutely shade-loving fern types like Maidenhair, Holly, and Boston fern adapt well to low-light indoor spaces.
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