55 Popular Types of Ferns Around the World
Ferns are super interesting plants that add a touch of green to any space. You might have seen them in gardens, forests, or even as houseplants. But did you know there are thousands of fern species worldwide?
I’m here to help you explore the world of ferns. In this article, I’ll introduce you to 55 popular types of ferns globally.
You’ll learn about their unique features, growing habits, and why they’re so beloved by plant enthusiasts.
Get ready to discover a variety of ferns, from the classic Boston fern to the unusual staghorn fern.
Let’s dive into the lush world of these ancient plants!
List of Different Varieties of Ferns to Explore
1. Boston Fern
The Boston Fern is known for its gracefully arching fronds, which make it a popular houseplant. It thrives in humid environments and is native to tropical regions of the Americas, particularly in forests and swamps. The feathery, sword-shaped leaves are a distinctive feature of this fern.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nephrolepis exaltata |
| Color | Bright green |
| Height | Up to 1 meter |
| Leaf Shape | Sword-shaped, feathery |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 9-11 |
| Sun Exposure | Indirect light, partial shade |
2. Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhair Ferns are known for their delicate, fan-shaped leaves that are almost paper-thin. These ferns are native to tropical and subtropical regions and often grow near waterfalls and other moist environments. The stems are dark and wiry, contrasting with the light green foliage.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Adiantum spp. |
| Color | Light green |
| Height | 30-45 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Fan-shaped, delicate |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 8-11 |
| Sun Exposure | Indirect light, shade |
3. Staghorn Fern
The Staghorn Fern has fronds resembling the antlers of a stag, making it a unique and visually striking plant. Native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia, these ferns are often grown mounted on wood, mimicking their natural habitat of growing on tree trunks.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Platycerium spp. |
| Color | Silvery green |
| Height | 60-90 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Antler-shaped |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 9-12 |
| Sun Exposure | Bright, indirect light |
4. Bird’s Nest Fern
The Bird’s Nest Fern is recognized for its large, wavy, lance-shaped leaves that grow in a circular, nest-like pattern. This fern is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, where it grows on trees and rocks, benefiting from the high humidity and indirect sunlight.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Asplenium nidus |
| Color | Glossy green |
| Height | 60-120 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Lance-shaped, wavy |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 9-11 |
| Sun Exposure | Indirect light, partial shade |
5. Button Fern
The Button Fern is a small, hardy fern known for its round, button-like leaflets along its thin stems. It is native to New Zealand, thriving in forested areas with rich, well-drained soil and partial shade.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pellaea rotundifolia |
| Color | Dark green |
| Height | 30-45 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Round, button-like |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 8-10 |
| Sun Exposure | Indirect light, partial shade |
6. Lady Fern
Lady Ferns are known for their soft, lacy fronds, commonly found in North American and European woodlands. They thrive in cool, shady areas and are a popular garden choice because of their feathery fronds.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Athyrium filix-femina |
| Color | Light green |
| Height | 60-90 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Feather-like, delicate |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 4-8 |
| Sun Exposure | Partial to full shade |
7. Ostrich Fern
The Ostrich Fern is named for its large, feathery fronds, which resemble the plumes of an ostrich. It is native to the Northern Hemisphere and is commonly found in moist, forested regions in North America and Europe.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Matteuccia struthiopteris |
| Color | Deep green |
| Height | 1-2 meters |
| Leaf Shape | Feather-like, arching |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 3-7 |
| Sun Exposure | Partial to full shade |
8. Bracken Fern
Bracken Ferns are robust, widespread ferns native to temperate and tropical regions around the world. They grow in open fields and woodlands, often reaching impressive heights, and are characterized by their triangular, finely divided fronds.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pteridium aquilinum |
| Color | Bright green |
| Height | 1-2 meters |
| Leaf Shape | Triangular, finely divided |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 4-8 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
9. Japanese Painted Fern
The Japanese Painted Fern is renowned for its striking silvery-gray and purple-hued fronds. Native to East Asia, particularly Japan, it thrives in woodland settings and adds an ornamental touch to gardens with its unique coloration.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Athyrium niponicum |
| Color | Silvery gray with purple hues |
| Height | 30-60 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Feather-like, lacy |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 3-8 |
| Sun Exposure | Partial shade |
10. Cinnamon Fern
Cinnamon Ferns are recognized for their large, upright fronds and cinnamon-colored spore-bearing fronds. They are native to North America and thrive in wet, shaded environments like swamps and wet woodlands.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Osmundastrum cinnamomeum |
| Color | Green with cinnamon-colored fronds |
| Height | 90-150 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Lance-shaped, upright |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 4-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Partial to full shade |
11. Kangaroo Fern
Kangaroo Fern is a popular tropical fern characterized by its thick, leathery fronds that resemble a kangaroo’s paw. Native to Australia, it thrives in humid environments and is often used in terrariums or as a houseplant due to its easy-going nature.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Microsorum diversifolium |
| Color | Glossy green |
| Height | 60-90 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Lobed, paw-like |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 9-11 |
| Sun Exposure | Bright, indirect light |
12. Tree Fern
Tree Ferns are large ferns with a trunk-like stem that can grow tall, giving them a tree-like appearance. Native to tropical and subtropical regions like New Zealand and Australia, they are often found in rainforests where humidity is high.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cyathea spp. |
| Color | Dark green |
| Height | Up to 10 meters |
| Leaf Shape | Long, arching, and feathery |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 9-11 |
| Sun Exposure | Partial to full shade |
13. Elkhorn Fern
Elkhorn Fern is similar to Staghorn Fern, but it is smaller and often forms dense colonies. Native to Australia and Papua New Guinea, it grows on trees and rocks, thriving in high humidity and partial shade conditions.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Platycerium bifurcatum |
| Color | Pale green |
| Height | 45-60 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Elkhorn-shaped |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 9-12 |
| Sun Exposure | Bright, indirect light |
14. Asparagus Fern
Despite its name, the Asparagus Fern is not a true fern but is commonly grouped with ferns due to its fern-like appearance. Native to South Africa, it is known for its needle-like leaves and bushy growth habit, making it a favorite for hanging baskets.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Asparagus setaceus |
| Color | Bright green |
| Height | 30-60 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Needle-like |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 9-11 |
| Sun Exposure | Partial shade |
15. Australian Sword Fern
The Australian Sword Fern is a hardy fern native to Australia and Southeast Asia. It is known for its long, sword-shaped fronds, making it a popular choice for garden landscaping and indoor potted plants.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nephrolepis obliterata |
| Color | Bright green |
| Height | 60-90 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Sword-shaped |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 9-11 |
| Sun Exposure | Bright, indirect light |
16. Blue Star Fern
The Blue Star Fern stands out due to its blue-green fronds that are soft and slightly wavy. Native to tropical forests of South America, this fern prefers a moist environment and indirect light, making it a favorite for indoor planting.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phlebodium aureum |
| Color | Blue-green |
| Height | 45-60 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Lobed and wavy |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 8-11 |
| Sun Exposure | Indirect light |
17. Hart’s Tongue Fern
The Hart’s Tongue Fern has unique, undivided fronds that resemble a long, smooth tongue. It is native to Europe and parts of North America, typically found in limestone-rich areas, thriving in cool, moist conditions.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Asplenium scolopendrium |
| Color | Dark green |
| Height | 30-60 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Long, undivided, tongue-like |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 5-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Partial to full shade |
18. Golden Polypody
The Golden Polypody is an exotic fern native to tropical regions of Central and South America. It is known for its golden-hued, deeply lobed fronds that add a striking element to indoor or outdoor plant displays.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phlebodium aureum |
| Color | Golden-green |
| Height | 30-90 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Deeply lobed |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 9-11 |
| Sun Exposure | Partial to full shade |
19. Mexican Male Fern
This large fern is native to Mexico and Central America, characterized by its robust, feathery fronds. The Mexican Male Fern is often used in landscaping and can thrive in both shaded and semi-shaded environments.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dryopteris pseudo-filix-mas |
| Color | Deep green |
| Height | 60-120 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Feather-like, arching |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 7-10 |
| Sun Exposure | Partial shade |
20. Lemon Button Fern
The Lemon Button Fern is a small, compact fern that emits a faint lemon scent when crushed. Native to the subtropical forests of the Americas, it has small, round leaflets that make it a perfect choice for terrariums and indoor gardens.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nephrolepis cordifolia |
| Color | Bright green |
| Height | 30-45 cm |
| Leaf Shape | Round, button-like |
| Hardiness | USDA Zones 9-11 |
| Sun Exposure | Indirect light, partial shade |
List of Remaining Varieties of Ferns to Explore
21. Water Sprite
22. Azolla Fern
23. Floating Fern
24. Parrot’s Feather
25. Java Fern
26. Himalayan Maidenhair
27. Alpine Water Fern
28. Holly Fern
29. Shield Fern
30. Hardy Brake Fern
31. Creeping Fern
32. Rockcap Fern
33. Shaggy Shield Fern
34. Silver Fern
35. Southern Wood Fern
36. Giant Wood Fern
37. Tasmanian Tree Fern
38. Soft Tree Fern
39. Cyathea Fern
40. Dicksonia Fern
41. Dwarf Holly Fern
42. Little Button Fern
43. Pixie Fern
44. Dwarf Maidenhair Fern
45. Tiny Lace Fern
46. Crested Fern
47. Silver Lady Fern
48. Variegated Brake Fern
49. Ghost Fern
50. Ribbon Fern
51. New Zealand Tree Fern
52. Tasmanian Fern
53. Hawaiian Bird’s Nest Fern
54. Brazilian Sword Fern
55. African Tree Fern
Conclusion
We’ve explored 55 amazing ferns from around the world.
From the delicate maidenhair to the tough sword fern, each type has its own charm. These plants aren’t just pretty – they’re tough survivors that have been around for millions of years.
Why does this matter? Ferns play a big role in our ecosystems and can make great additions to your home or garden. They clean the air, provide shelter for small animals, and can thrive in spots where other plants struggle.
Ready to bring some fern magic into your life? Start by picking one or two types that caught your eye. Do a bit more research on their care, then give them a try.
Who knows? You might just become a fern fan like me!
