Have you ever been to some of the gardens that look something close to a mini natural habitat? Like, every sunny to shady part of it is marked by a beautiful variety of plants. Believe me, I have been to such wonderful gardens where flowering plants are not the only thing that catches my attention. Let’s talk big leafy to symmetrically arranged leafy Fern plants that can grow well in moist, shady parts of the garden where no other plant is likely to survive.
But first, what are Ferns?
Ferns are some of the oldest living plants in the book of botany. We can simply define them as some of the vascular plants that are produced with the help of spores (they don’t bear flowers and seeds). Today, the family of ferns can be divided into 10,560 species known to this world.
Also termed Polypodiophytes, Ferns produce complex leaves that are popular by the name of megaphylls. They also produce coiled fiddleheads that later uncoil and expand into fronds.
Sometimes I find myself asking this question, what is the benefit of having Ferns in my Garden?
- Well, These ferns can be a great source of food and medicine for ages
- They are also used as ornamental plants that enhance the entire look of the space
- They are also capable of remedying the contaminated part of the soil by providing nutrients to it.
- Some Indigenous cultures around the world celebrate ferns in special rituals,
- In some parts of the world, it is also believed that they bring in positive energy and ward off negative forces.
As a curious plant enthusiast, here are different types of fern plants that are suitable to become an excellent choice for gardens. Without further ado, let’s explore:
1. Birds Nest Fern
Botanical Name: Asplanium Nidus
It is an excellent choice for indoor gardens. You can easily identify it by its waxy, slightly crinkly, light leaves that are vibrant green in colour and can keep thriving with little care. The soil requirement for Bird’s Nest is rich and loamy which does not let water sit in itself. Bird’s Nest is also a native plant in the Hawaiian region.
2. Asparagus Fern
Botanical Name: Asparagus setaceus
Another easy-to-grow plant which is popular for its bright green and feathery foliage. As a part of the family of ferns, it likes to be kept in a semi-shaded area, with plenty of sunlight and enough water to keep the soil moist. In more natural environments, it can be spotted in shady, sandy, wooded lands. In terms of its origins, then it belongs to the coastal regions of southern Africa where it's a common sprawling shrub.
3. Boston Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata
With some of the best air purifying abilities, Boston Fern can’t miss this list. One of the characteristic features is the arching fronds giving away a seemingly beautiful, fuller and cascading effect, making the households stand out. They can grow up to 2 to 3 feet high which is the perfect size to be placed in any indoor decor.
4. Maidenhair Ferns
Botanical Name: Adiantum
Maiden hair fern is also a popular houseplant which is admired for the heavy foliage. The best way to recognise them is delicate leaves arranged in a finger-like pattern on a wiry black stem. They have a good life span and basic care requirements that make them a perfect choice for any beginner’s garden. They are low-light plants that should be kept in a low and humid environment for proper growth.
5. Japanese Painted Ferns
Botanical Name: Athyrium niponicum
Let us bring in another plant which can become a perfect addition to your balcony garden. Japanese Painted Ferns produce thick and grey fronds that add a touch of elegance to your home. The basic care requirements are easy to learn from partial shade to keeping the soil slightly moist. Just remember to spray neem oil, to save the plants from slugs and snails who might just love your plant like you.
6. Button Ferns
Botanical Name: Pellaea rotundifolia
As the name suggests, button fern’s characteristic feature is their small button-shaped leaflets that give it a very structured appearance. You can notice its leaflets growing out from the central point adding to its unique features. Like some other plants on this list, it is also a perfect plant to have in your indoor space. Buy it to give your windows or balconies a kind of whimsical or out of a fairy tale kind of look. Its care is very simple, with minimal attention to the sun and water it can still thrive in your garden area.
7. Western Sword Fern
Botanical Name: Polystichum munitum
It is another variety of fern with distinctive leaves and attractive foliage. It is a hardy plant that thrives in shady areas of the garden and can be placed to expand the area under greenery. In this plant, each leaflet has a pointed sword-like shape that is directed towards the base. It is a semi-evergreen plant comprising large, green, erect fronds born out of rhizomes.
8. Staghorn Fern
Botanical Name: Platycerium bifurcatum
Staghorn Fern is known for its distinct antler or deer-like shade. They are a part of the Polypodiaceae genus and are also called Elkhorn ferns. They can grow well in warm, humid environments with minimum requirements. Staghorn Ferns are native to tropical regions of Australia and New Guinea. These are kinds of ornamental plants that can be found in many gardens.
9. Lady Fern
Botanical Name: Athyrium filix-femina
If you want to add aesthetic value to your space, then you can also choose Lady Fern as a contributor of greenery in your garden. Keep it in a container or a pot where it propagates slowly from its own rhizomes. One of the characteristic features is that it’s slightly tolerant of the sun compared to other Ferns. To let this beauty maintain its foliage and thrive, keep it in a partially shaded area and water it once the topmost layer of the soil appears dry.
10. Christmas Fern
Botanical Name: Polystichum acrostichoides
This plant is named Christmas fern because its fronds remain green in the winter season. The ferns are dark and green, with the ability to thrive in the coldest of months. To take advantage of its unique capability, ensure that you keep it in well-draining soil that does not retain water and is fertilised well.
Who Are We?
Urvann is India’s Most Affordable Online Plant Nursery which aims to make gardening a bit simple and accessible for every Indian home. We have solutions to all your gardening requirements from plants to pots to amazing gardening tools. We hold immense pride in saying that what started as a years-old hobby is now a business helping many people around Delhi NCR, Gurgaon and Banglore. With 6000+ plants in our collection, there’s nothing you can miss to explore.
As a fellow plant lover of the modern age, we hope that gardening continues to be a healthy hobby in the years to come!
Happy Gardening!
Also Read, Flower Holi: Celebration, History, and Significance
Also Read, 10 Best Plants for Spring Season in India
Some Interesting Questions about Fern Plants
1. How much sunlight do fern plants usually prefer?
Most fern plants prefer indirect sunlight, do not place them under direct sunlight as it may scorch the leaves of your plants. Fern plants have some basic care requirements that make them perfect even for beginners.
2. Why are fern plants best for your garden?
Fern Plants are shade-loving plants and fit perfectly in some spaces where other plants cannot be placed.
3. What are the benefits of fern plants in the garden?
There are many benefits of fern plants;
- Fern plants are divided into various varieties and many of them are available in India. They have unique shapes and sizes that make them aesthetically pleasing to look at.
- Fern plants can be a versatile addition to your garden area. They are low-maintenance plants that can be placed in shady areas.
4. What makes fern plants so special?
Fern plants are known for their attractive shapes and stunning foliage. Nature has made them very versatile and as per the demands of shady areas.
5. What are the different parts of Fern Plants?
There are many parts of fern plants like rhizomes, fronds, and sporangia. Unlike other plants, the leaves of fern plants are called fronds (as they are further divided into several pinnae) and may also contain a special reproductive part (Sporangia). These fronds are born out of Rhizomes, the erect underground stem of fern plants.
6. Why is Urvann the best place to buy plants in India?
Urvann India is a growing online nursery with a wide collection of plants and gardening tools. We are the platform from where plant enthusiasts around Delhi NCR and Bangalore can buy themselves greens and build a perfect gardening haven. Our team ensures that you get quality plants with the benefit of next day delivery.
0 Comment