Here are the Best Hanging Ferns that you can grow in your home to invite a tropical feel to the space! They are also easy to maintain and care for!
Growing plants in hanging baskets is the best way to invite greenery in a small space. If you want the best option, then here are the Best Hanging Ferns you should definitely grow!
Here are the most amazing ferns you can grow in containers
Best Hanging Ferns
1. Boston Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata
One of the best hanging ferns, it grows all year-round outside if you live in a warm climate. Grow Boston ferns outside from spring to autumn in cooler regions, and bring them indoors in winter.
Check out our article on growing Boston ferns here
2. Dallas Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Dallasii’
Dallas fern is more compact and has a bushy appearance. It’s also low-maintenance and is more tolerant to low-light conditions.
How to Grow
This plant can thrive in small to medium-sized hanging baskets. Choose a location that is shady but receives indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist. Fertilize the plant with half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Have a look at the ways to stylize your home with big and lush ferns here
3. Maidenhair Fern
Botanical Name: Adiantum
Maidenhair fern can be your next plant for a hanging basket! It can be grown in a variety of climates as there are many species available. This fern can tolerate low light but never compromise with dry air and dry soil.
How to Grow
Choose a hanging basket that is 8-10 inches deep. Hang it outside or indoors where it receives shade. A couple of hours of indirect morning sunlight is okay. Never allow the plant to dry out and maintain the moisture level.
4. Kimberly Queen Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis obliterata
When it comes to front porch ferns for hanging baskets, Kimberly ferns are most popular! Plant this fern near the entry, and it’ll look amazing, showing its deep green fronds.
How to Grow
Choose an average-sized hanging basket. Use soil that is well-draining but has some moisture-retaining capability and fertilize the plant occasionally with a liquid nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
5. Hay Scented Fern
Botanical Name: Dennstaedtia punctilobula
Hay scented fern is hardy and can be grown easily in temperate regions. It’s best known for its hay-like fragrance, which is at its peak in the fall when the bright green fronds turn into a shade of soft, rustic brown.
How to Grow
Choose an 8-10 inches deep hanging basket for growing hay-scented fern. Hang the plant near a window or some corner where it can receive direct morning sunlight.
6. Tiger Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Tiger Fern’
One of the best ferns for hanging baskets, the Tiger fern has fascinating fronds with metallic strips over the green leaflets. Either hang it alone or with other plants in combination, indoors or outdoors on a porch or try it on in your balcony garden.
How to Grow
Growing Tiger fern is similar to the Boston fern. Keep it in the shade where it can receive indirect sunlight. A couple of hours of morning sun is good.
Have a look at the stunning pictures of ferns in the bathroom here
7. Asparagus Fern
Botanical Name: Asparagus aethiopicus
Asparagus fern is not a true fern but looks interesting in hanging baskets. This fern-like plant has arching plumes of tightly packed, needle-like leaves. It’s perennial in warmer areas (USDA Zones 9-11). In cooler areas, it must be kept indoors in winters.
How to Grow
Choose a location that receives indirect light, and avoid direct sun. Use quality potting mix and water moderately and regularly.
8. Lady Fern
Botanical Name: Athyrium filix-femina
With its showy fronds in a medium-green hue, lady ferns need full to partial shade to perform best. It looks great in hanging baskets on the porch and balconies!
How to Grow
Water the plant regularly so that the dirt stays moist but not waterlogged. Feed it once every 5-6 weeks using a water-soluble fertilizer.
9. Giant Sword Fern
Botanical Name: Polystichum munitum
Also popular as Macho Fern, the sword-shaped fronds of this plant can grow as long as 3-4 feet and can be 4 feet long. Though it grows as wide as 5-6 feet in the wild, you can limit its growth by growing it in medium to large-sized baskets.
How to Grow
This fern needs bright light to grow the best. If you live in a hot climate, save the plant from the long exposure to the afternoon sun. The plant loves humidity and thrives well in it.
10. Staghorn Fern
Botanical Name: Platycerium
What sets this fern apart from the rest are its fronds that appear like antlers. It is really easy to hang, and you can also grow it on a piece of wood.
How to Grow
The plant does best in bright but indirect light. Avoid overwatering the plant and provide plenty of humidity.
11. Kangaroo Fern
Botanical Name: Microsorum pustulatum
The deep and lush green fronds of this fern have a creeping growth habit. They dangle down beautifully from the sides of the pot, making it best for hanging baskets.
How to Grow
Avoid keeping the plant in direct sun as it will burn the foliage. Misting will help the plant to grow well and will also result in lush fronds.
12. Rabbit’s Foot Fern
Botanical Name: Davallia fejeensis
The beautiful furry rhizomes of the plant dangle over the pot, making it one of the best choices for hanging baskets.
How to Grow
Grow the plant where it gets indirect bright light. Use a shallow pot with a well-draining potting mix.
13. Mahogany Fern
Botanical Name: Didymochlaena truncatula
The lush green curled leaves of this fern give it a unique look. The densely populated stems make it perfect for hanging baskets.
How to Grow
As long as you are keeping it at a spot that gets bright, indirect light, it will continue to grow without any worries!
14. Fox Tail Fern
Botanical Name: Asparagus densiflorus
The pine needle-like leaves of this fern give it the appearance of a fox’s tail. Though it is called a fern, it is not actually a fern at all!
How to Grow
Use a well-draining growing medium. Regular trimming of the plant will help to maintain its bushy appearance.
I love ferns but I tend to kill them I do not know why. But my latest victim I am still trying to keep alive is very unusual. I do not know what it is called because I got it from a co-worker. It looks like your average fern but it seems to be attached to what looks like tarantula legs (I promise there are no spiders involved). I’m not sure how to keep it alive. Could you help me with this poor plant?
You have a rabbits foot fern. Do a google search on it, there’s a ton of info on how to take care of one.