Ferns add a lux tropical and soft accent to any home, and their signature tropical and lacy foliage makes them one of the most popular houseplants. There are more than 10,500 species of fern plants making the variety and selection almost endless, so it's no wonder we always have a new rare or classic fern plant being listed on the website.
Whether you go with a rare color like the Autumn fern, or a classic Boston, when you buy your fern plant here at BWH, you can ensure it will arrive healthy because we grow each one in our private greenhouse here in the USA, then ship it directly to your door. There is no warehousing and third party distribution.
If you’re ready to pick your new plant, below you’ll find the care instructions for ferns as well as a few staff favorites if you’re deciding between two.
Fern Care Instructions
Watering Instructions
Water your fern once a week or when the top inch of the soil feels dry. If you don’t want to touch the soil you can always use a water meter which will let you know the right time to water your plant.
Soil
The best soil for a fern is well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 4.0 and 7.0. If you don’t want to mix and match, you can buy our Dirt Bag potting mix which is pre-mixed to be well draining while retaining moisture making it the perfect potting mix for ferns.
Sunlight
Ferns thrive in indirect but bright sunlight, meaning they should not be placed directly in the sun’s beams, but near them so the light is diffused and your fern can get roughly 3 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. They can live in low light, but their color and vibrancy may fade.
Pet Safe
Yes, most fern plants are safe for cats, dogs, and other household pets. We list if the fern is pet safe on each of our product pages, so check the details before you buy if you want to be certain.
Staff Favorites
Stuck trying to pick which fern plant to buy? You’re not alone! Here are some staff favorites with the reasons we love them to help you choose the right one for your home.
Boston
A timeless classic known for its long, arching fronds. Perfect for hanging baskets or elevated plant stands where its lush foliage can cascade beautifully. Boston Ferns also help purify indoor air.
Foxtail
With its fluffy, upright stems, the Foxtail Fern stands out from typical fern varieties. It’s hardy, drought-tolerant, and holds its structure well, making it great for both indoor pots and shaded outdoor spots.
Golden Zebra
A unique fern with bold, striped variegation that adds brightness to darker spaces. Its foliage features deep green with vibrant yellow striping, creating a striking visual effect.
Heart
This compact fern has glossy, heart-shaped leaves that make it perfect for smaller pots or tight spaces. Its unique leaf shape sets it apart from more traditional ferns, adding a playful touch to plant collections.
Rabbit’s Foot
Known for its fuzzy, foot-like rhizomes (roots) that creep over the edge of pots, this fern is both eye-catching and low-maintenance. Its soft fronds are perfect for adding texture to tabletops or hanging displays.
