Types Of Ferns
A Few Popular Types of Ferns
The number of different types of ferns in the world is large indeed. Ferns will be found in almost every climatic condition, from tropical forests to dry deserts, and in rain forests in the more temperate zones. They can be grown indoors, or as landscape plants. In some places ferns are even considered to be a weed, growing where you would prefer other plants to grow instead.
There are many types of ferns to choose among when you're looking for an indoor plant. If you want ferns in your yard or garden, the types available will have to fit in with the environment where you live. In general, most types like to live in somewhat damp, shady areas and, with a few exceptions, do not tolerate direct sunlight. Some indirect sunlight during the winter will usually benefit household ferns, but household ferns should never be placed in direct sunlight, especially during the summer months. A north-facing window is an excellent source of light.
Boston ferns are very popular, and are often grown either indoors, or on a shady porch or patio. The fronds of the Boston fern can grow to 4 feet long, and the fern will outgrow its pot and need to be divided on occasion. The Boston fern is actually a family of ferns, a popular variety being the Roosevelt fern. Another very popular fern, not a member of the Boston fern family, but closely related, is the Sword fern. The Sword fern is best as a landscape plant, and can tolerate sun better than most other fern types. It grows best in partial shade.
The Asparagus fern is grown in pots and hanging baskets, but is in truth not a fern at all. It is an asparagus-like plant, which happens to look very much like a fern, and is often sold as such.
The Staghorn fern is one of the more unusual true ferns. It can be grown outdoors in the summer, preferring filtered sunlight to deep shade or direct sun. It is so named as the fronds resemble a stag's horns, or if you prefer, a deer's antlers. In a natural setting, the Staghorn fern will be found growing in cracks and crevices, and on trees.
The Ostrich fern is grown as an ornamental plant, and also has edible fronds, harvested when immature and referred to as fiddleheads. The mature fronds, which can reach a length of 5 feet, resemble ostrich plumes, giving the plant its name.
Several other popular types of ferns include the Lady fern, often used in naturalized settings, and the Birds Nest fern, which usually grows among rocks or in trees. The Christmas fern, which tends to remain green throughout the year, is often mass-planted, and is an excellent plant for erosion control.
In summary, a number of popular types of ferns can be recommended, whether you want them indoors or outdoors. There are of course many other types as well. You will find online fern specialists, offering a wide variety of plants, who can give you excellent advice on which types would best work for you, as well as how to care for them.