Ferns are graceful, lush plants that look beautiful in any garden. Their delicately arching fronds and rich green color add texture and an elegant natural vibe. While ferns are often planted in outdoor beds, they can also thrive when grown in pots and containers. Choosing the right fern varieties allows you to enjoy these plants on your patio, balcony or indoors.
Growing ferns in pots has many advantages You can move them to optimize sunlight and environmental conditions Potted ferns are great for small spaces like apartments. They bring the outdoors in with minimal care required. And you can mix and match ferns in decorative planters to suit your personal style.
If you want to try growing ferns in containers, here are 10 great options to consider:
1. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)
This flashy fern has fronds colored silver, red and green for beautiful multi-toned effects It thrives in partial shade and moist soil Japanese painted fern grows 18-24 inches tall and wide, making it a good choice for medium planters. Zones 4-9.
2. Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)
Emerging a striking copper color, this semi-evergreen fern maintains its beauty into fall. The color fades to green over time but the young foliage provides long-lasting appeal. Autumn fern reaches 18-24 inches tall. It does well in partial sun to shade. For zones 5-9.
3. Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum)
Also called Japanese tassel fern, this delicate looking plant has lacy fronds that grow 2-3 feet long. It handles some sun with sufficient moisture. The low maintenance tassel fern grows well in zones 7-10 and needs a large container to accommodate its spread.
4. Kimberly Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)
With bright green ruffled foliage, this small fern grows 12-18 inches tall and wide. It is a compact variety suitable for containers, hanging baskets or tabletop use. Kimberly queen fern thrives in medium to bright light and consistent moisture. Hardy in zones 9-11.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
A classic houseplant, Boston fern has long cascading fronds and grows up to 5 feet wide in pots. Keep this fast grower trimmed to maintain its beauty. Boston ferns need high humidity and do best indoors or on shady patios. For zones 9-11.
6. Silver Lady Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum)
The silver lady fern features gray-green fronds with burgundy stems Growing 12-18 inches tall and wide, it looks lovely in small to medium planters Give this variety medium light to partial shade and regular water for zones 4-9.
7. Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)
This bold evergreen fern has long, arching dark green fronds. It develops a substantial trunk-like base over time. Western sword fern reaches 3-5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Partial shade and regular moisture are ideal. Use a large pot for zones 7-9 plants.
8. Southern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris)
Delicate leaflets give this fern a lacy texture. It grows 12-18 inches tall and does well indoors or outside in zones 8-11. Keep soil consistently moist for southern maidenhair ferns. Its airy look is beautiful in hanging baskets or decorative ceramic pots.
9. Lady in Red Fern (Athyrium filix-femina ‘Lady in Red’)
Adding a pop of color, this deciduous fern emerges deep red before fading to green. The red stems and hints of burgundy in mature fronds provide year-round interest. Plant it in partial shade and irrigate often. Lady in red ferns reach 15-30 inches tall for zones 4-8.
10. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)
Despite its name, this “fern” is not a true fern but a member of the asparagus family. It has feathery fronds and an open, airy habit. Grow asparagus ferns in bright light in zones 9-11. They spread quickly, so plant one in a medium to large container by itself.
When shopping for potted ferns, look for young plants with healthy fronds and good root development. Use potting mix made for ferns and keep evenly moist. Feed monthly in spring and summer with diluted liquid fertilizer. With the right care, you can enjoy lush ferns in planters for years to come.
The Best Ferns for Container Gardening and Tips for Successful Care
Ferns are beautiful and useful plants that can be grown in any garden. They also do very well in pots and other containers. Their lush, feathery fronds and vibrant green colors make them attractive for indoor and outdoor spaces. This complete guide will look at some of the best ferns for gardening in containers and give you important tips for making sure they grow and stay healthy.
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Ferns Pots , Containers, Patios and in Courtyards – Small Ferns For Small Spaces
FAQ
What ferns are best for pots?
Do ferns do well in containers?
Do ferns like sun or shade?
What is the best fern for a patio?
What ferns grow best in pots?
Another of the best-potted ferns for containers, native to North America, it’s known for its unique light green foliage. This fern grows best in moist, lightly shaded areas with good air circulation. Maidenhair Fern is a versatile choice among potted ferns and can be grown both outdoors and indoors with some care.
Can ferns grow outdoors?
Growing ferns outdoors in pots or containers will succeed best when you take care to choose the best size and material of pot, the ideal potting mix for the fern species, and water on a regular schedule.
How do you grow ferns in a pot?
Growing ferns in pots is a great way to add greenery to your space. Choose a shallow pot, at least 6 inches deep, with good drainage. Use a standard all-purpose compost or potting mix. Keep ferns in a shaded area, water them regularly, and mist them occasionally. Repot when they begin to overcrowd their container.
Do ferns grow in containers?
Ferns are some of the oldest plants on Earth, with their graceful fronds adding a touch of elegance to any garden or indoor space. While they are often grown in traditional garden beds, ferns can also thrive in containers, making them a versatile option for those with limited outdoor space or who want to bring a touch of greenery indoors.