Indoor ferns for bathrooms, kitchens and shady rooms, alongside multi-packs of hardy ferns for planting under trees and along north-facing borders. Free tracked delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
Which fern is best for indoors, and which for the garden?
For indoors, Bird's Nest ferns such as Asplenium 'Crispy Wave' and 'Parvati' are the easiest choice: they tolerate drier air and the occasional missed watering better than most ferns. For shady gardens, Hart's Tongue fern, Common Polypody, Soft Shield fern and Male fern are fully hardy in Irish and northern European winters and are sold here in trays for planting in drifts.
| Fern | Where it grows | Evergreen? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crispy Wave fern (Asplenium 'Crispy Wave') | Indoors, bright shade or bathroom | Yes | Wavy, upright fronds; ASPCA non-toxic |
| Bird's Nest fern (Asplenium 'Parvati') | Indoors, low to medium light | Yes | Large rosette for the floor; ASPCA non-toxic |
| Asparagus fern (Asparagus setaceus) | Indoors, bright indirect light | Yes | Not a true fern; toxic to pets |
| Hart's Tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) | Garden, dry or damp shade | Yes | Glossy strap-shaped fronds; likes limestone |
| Common Polypody (Polypodium vulgare) | Garden, walls, banks and rockeries | Yes | Low and spreading; copes with dry spots |
| Soft Shield fern (Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen') | Garden, part to full shade | Mostly | Lacy, spreading fronds |
| Male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) | Garden, deep shade under trees | Semi-evergreen | Very tough; grows 90–120cm |
How to keep indoor ferns healthy
Ferns need two things above all: humidity and compost that stays moist but never wet. A bathroom with a window suits most of them. In centrally heated rooms, stand the pot on a tray of pebbles and water to raise the humidity around the leaves. Do not let ferns dry out completely, because unlike succulents they rarely recover from severe wilting. Feed monthly with a diluted liquid feed from spring to autumn.
Planting hardy ferns outdoors
The garden ferns arrive as young plants in 9cm pots, packed in sets so you can cover a shady bed at once. Plant them 30–40cm apart in spring or autumn, work in some leaf mould or compost, and water well through their first summer. Once established, they need little more than old fronds cut back in late winter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest fern to keep indoors?
The Bird's Nest fern (Asplenium). Its thick, glossy fronds hold up better in dry indoor air than Boston or Maidenhair ferns, which makes it a good first fern.
Are ferns safe for cats and dogs?
True ferns such as Asplenium and Nephrolepis are listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA. The Asparagus fern is not a true fern and is toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach.
What ferns grow well in shade in Ireland?
Hart's Tongue fern, Male fern, Soft Shield fern and Common Polypody all grow well in Irish shade, from damp woodland corners to dry spots under trees.
Keep exploring: Bathroom plants · Low light plants · Pet-safe plants