Ferns are graceful, elegant plants that can add beauty and texture to any indoor or outdoor space. With their delicate, arching fronds and lush green foliage, ferns are excellent choices for container gardening. Growing ferns in pots allows you to place them in prime locations to show off their fabulous forms.
When choosing ferns for pots, consider their mature size, growth habit, and environmental needs. Select varieties that will thrive in a potted environment and fit the space you plan to place them.
Here are 10 of the best ferns to grow in pots for gorgeous greenery
1. Kimberly Queen Fern
With bright green, ruffled fronds, the Kimberly queen fern is a small variety that only grows to be 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. Its small size makes it perfect for pots and tables. Kimberly queen ferns do best in medium to bright light with consistent moisture. Grow them in zones 9-11.
2. Boston Fern
A classic houseplant Boston ferns have long graceful fronds that cascade attractively over pot rims. They can spread up to 5 feet wide when happy. Boston ferns require high humidity and filtered light. Keep them trimmed to maintain their flowing shape. Grow Boston ferns in zones 9-11.
3. Silver Lady Fern
The silver lady fern is a beautiful type that has burgundy stems and gray-green leaves. For small to medium planters, it grows 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. Give this fern partial shade and frequent watering. It thrives in zones 4-9.
4. Japanese Tassel Fern
Also called Japanese polytail fern, this beauty has long, narrow fronds that can reach 2-3 feet long. The lacy texture and cascading shape make a lovely display in pots and baskets. Japanese tassel fern grows well in zones 7-10 with partial shade and ample moisture.
5. Autumn Fern
Emerging copper-colored, the semi-evergreen autumn fern keeps its flair well into fall before fading to green. Its colorful young foliage provides long lasting beauty and interest when grown in containers. Autumn ferns reach 18-24 inches tall. Give them partial sun to shade in zones 5-9.
6. Southern Maidenhair Fern
Valued for its delicate, lacy texture, the southern maidenhair fern has tiny leaflets on wiry stems. This airy fern grows 12-18 inches tall. Southern maidenhair thrives in warm zones 8-11 with consistently damp soil. Use it in hanging baskets or decorative ceramic pots.
7. Japanese Painted Fern
One of the showiest ferns, Japanese painted fern has fronds colored silver, red, and green for a striated effect. It handles partial shade well and spreads 18-24 inches. The brilliant colors of this variety make it a stunning addition to mixed containers. Grow it in zones 4-9.
8. Western Sword Fern
Western sword fern grows a strong base over time thanks to its deep green, arching leaves. It can grow to be 3 to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, which is pretty cool. Western sword ferns do best in zones 7 through 9 if they get some shade and regular water. Give them ample room to spread in large pots.
9. Macho Fern
The very hardy macho fern grows up to 6 feet tall and wide and has a bold, architectural shape. Because it’s so big, it can go in the ground in mild climates or big porch pots. Macho fern does best in medium to low moisture and some sun to shade. Grow it in zones 9-11.
10. Lady Fern
A deciduous variety, lady ferns emerge lime green before fading to deep green. They spread 18-24 inches wide with lacy fronds. Lady ferns make great seasonal accent plants and combine well with evergreen varieties. Grow them in partial shade and moist soil in zones 3-8.
When choosing pots for ferns, select wider containers to give their roots room to spread. Shallow pots work well since ferns have fibrous, horizontal root structures. Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
With the right growing conditions and care, stunning ferns can thrive planted in containers. Their graceful forms and lovely green textures will enhance patios, porches, and living spaces.
how to keep bugs out of greenhouse