When Sarah transformed her dim apartment corner into a thriving fern sanctuary, she discovered that sword ferns were the key to creating that sought-after indoor jungle vibe. You’ll find these adaptable plants offer more variety than you might expect, from the classic Western Sword Fern’s robust 4-foot spread to the compact Korean Rock Fern’s delicate 12-inch fronds. Whether you’re dealing with low light or varying humidity levels, there’s a sword fern that’ll flourish in your space.

1. Western Sword Fern

The Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) is a robust evergreen fern native to western North America, characterized by its long, leathery fronds that can grow up to 5 feet in length. These dark green fronds emerge from a central crown in a vase-like formation, featuring small leaflets arranged along the stem in a sword-like pattern. As a popular choice for indoor gardens, this hardy fern maintains its attractive appearance year-round and adapts well to container growing, making it an excellent choice for creating a lush, forest-like atmosphere in indoor spaces.

  • Light: Thrives in moderate to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight; tolerates low light conditions
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich organic potting mix with high humus content
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity (50-70%); benefits from regular misting
  • Temperature: Ideal range between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
  • Container: Deep pot with adequate drainage holes
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

2. Japanese Holly Fern

The Japanese Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) is a robust evergreen fern characterized by its glossy, dark green fronds with distinctive holly-like leaflets. Growing up to 2 feet tall and wide, this elegant fern features arching, leathery fronds that make it an attractive choice for indoor spaces. Its compact growth habit and tolerance for less-than-ideal conditions have made it a popular houseplant, particularly in areas where natural humidity tends to be low.

  • Light: Thrives in medium to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; tolerates average indoor humidity levels
  • Temperature: Ideal range between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Potting: Requires good drainage; repot every 2-3 years or when root-bound

3. Autumn Fern

Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) is a striking ornamental fern known for its color-changing fronds that emerge coppery-pink in spring, mature to green in summer, and develop rich bronze-red hues in autumn. This medium-sized fern typically grows 18-24 inches tall and wide, featuring triangular, bipinnate fronds that create an elegant arching form. Native to East Asia, it’s a versatile plant that works well as an indoor specimen and adds dynamic color interest throughout the growing season.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate moderate shade; avoid direct sunlight
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich organic potting mix
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)
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4. Boston Sword Fern

The Boston Sword Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a classic houseplant known for its graceful, arching fronds that can grow up to 3 feet long. This popular variety features lance-shaped leaves with tiny leaflets arranged in a feather-like pattern, creating a lush, cascading appearance that makes it perfect for hanging baskets or elevated planters. Its adaptability and relatively easy care requirements have made it one of the most widely cultivated indoor ferns.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity (50-80%); mist regularly or use a humidity tray
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Maintenance: Remove yellowed or dead fronds at the base; divide every 2-3 years if overcrowded

5. Soft Shield Fern

The Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum) is a graceful and adaptable fern species characterized by its arching fronds and delicate, lacy appearance. This evergreen fern features finely divided, soft-textured leaves that can grow up to 3 feet in length, creating an elegant cascading effect. Its light green foliage and gentle drooping habit make it an attractive choice for indoor gardens, particularly in hanging baskets or elevated containers where its fronds can display their natural arch.

  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich organic potting mix with high humus content
  • Humidity: Thrives in high humidity; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
  • Temperature: Ideal range between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Use pots with adequate drainage holes
  • pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (6.0-7.0)

6. Southern Wood Fern

The Southern Wood Fern (Dryopteris ludoviciana) is a robust evergreen fern native to the southeastern United States. It features dark green, leathery fronds that grow in an upright, vase-like formation, typically reaching heights of 2-3 feet. The fronds are twice-divided with narrow, pointed leaflets, creating an elegant and architectural appearance that makes it an attractive choice for indoor gardens.

  • Light: Thrives in medium to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich organic potting mix
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity levels (40-60%)
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Use pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot

7. River Mist Sword Fern

River Mist Sword Fern is a compact variety of sword fern known for its distinctive silvery-green fronds with delicately ruffled edges. This cultivar typically grows to about 2 feet tall and features arching fronds that create an elegant, cascading effect. The leaves maintain a consistent color throughout the year, making it an attractive choice for indoor spaces where it can add texture and visual interest without demanding excessive maintenance.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate moderate shade but avoid direct sunlight
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Use pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot

8. Tasmanian Tree Fern

The Tasmanian Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica) is a majestic, slow-growing fern species native to southeastern Australia and Tasmania. This impressive specimen can reach heights of 15-20 feet in its natural habitat, though it typically stays smaller when grown indoors. Distinguished by its thick, woody trunk and large, spreading fronds that create a umbrella-like canopy, this fern adds a prehistoric and dramatic element to indoor spaces. The fronds are dark green, lacy, and can grow up to 6 feet in length, emerging from the center of the trunk in a circular pattern.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from direct sunlight; can tolerate partial shade
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; mist fronds regularly; water trunk directly
  • Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Requires high humidity levels, ideally above 60%
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Large pot with adequate drainage; needs room for extensive root system
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)
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9. Hardy Hart’s Tongue Fern

Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) is a distinctive evergreen fern known for its long, strap-like fronds that grow in a rosette pattern from the center of the plant. Unlike typical feathery ferns, its fronds are undivided and glossy, resembling deer tongues, which inspired its common name. This hardy fern typically grows 1-2 feet tall and makes an excellent indoor specimen due to its architectural form and adaptability to indoor conditions.

  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; can tolerate moderate shade but avoid direct sunlight
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, humus-rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Thrives in moderate to high humidity; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
  • Temperature: Comfortable in normal room temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Plant in pot with drainage holes; prefers slightly cramped conditions
  • pH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5-7.5)

10. East Indian Holly Fern

The East Indian Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) is a robust and elegant fern species characterized by its dark green, glossy fronds with pointed leaflets that resemble holly leaves. Native to eastern Asia, this evergreen fern typically grows 1-2 feet tall and features arching fronds that emerge from a central crown. Its distinctive appearance and adaptability to indoor conditions have made it a popular choice for home gardens and terrariums.

  • Light: Thrives in moderate to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, organic-rich potting mix with high moisture retention
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); tolerates occasional temperature fluctuations
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral soil (6.0-7.0)

11. Korean Rock Fern

The Korean Rock Fern (Polystichum tsus-simense) is a compact evergreen fern with delicate, dark green fronds that grow in a neat, vase-like shape. This small but elegant fern typically reaches heights of 12-18 inches, making it ideal for indoor spaces. Its finely divided, lacy foliage creates an attractive cascading effect, and the fronds maintain their deep color throughout the year, adding consistent visual interest to indoor gardens.

  • Light: Thrives in moderate to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity levels (50-60%)
  • Temperature: Ideal range between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot
  • Propagation: Division of mature clumps in spring

12. Japanese Painted Fern

The Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum) is a stunning ornamental fern known for its distinctive silvery-gray fronds with burgundy highlights. This elegant fern typically grows 18-24 inches tall and features delicate, arching foliage that creates a striking contrast against other indoor plants. While traditionally grown outdoors, it can thrive as an indoor plant when given proper care and conditions.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the fronds
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich, organic potting mix with high humus content
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels (50-60%); mist regularly or use a humidity tray
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); can tolerate brief temperature drops
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Use pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
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13. Whitmanii Lace Fern

The Whitmanii Lace Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Whitmanii’) is a striking variety of sword fern known for its delicate, finely divided fronds that create a lacy, almost fluffy appearance. This compact cultivar typically grows to about 2 feet tall and features intricate, ruffled foliage that emerges light green before deepening to a rich emerald shade. Its dense growth habit and elegant texture make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or tabletop displays in indoor settings.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves; tolerates moderate shade
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels (50-80%); benefits from regular misting
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); avoid cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Use pot with drainage holes; prefers being slightly root-bound

14. Silver Ribbon Lace Fern

The Silver Ribbon Lace Fern (Pteris ensiformis ‘Evergemiensis’) is a striking indoor fern variety known for its delicate, ribbon-like fronds with distinctive silver-white variegation along the center of each leaf segment. This compact fern typically grows to about 12-18 inches tall, making it perfect for tabletops and small spaces. Its unique coloring and lacy texture add an elegant touch to indoor gardens, while its manageable size and relatively easy care requirements make it popular among both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity (50-70%); benefits from regular misting or humidity tray
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)
  • Container: Use pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot

15. Giant Chain Fern

The Giant Chain Fern (Woodwardia fimbriata) is a majestic evergreen fern that can reach impressive heights of up to 6 feet tall in ideal conditions. Native to the western United States, this robust fern features long, arching fronds with deeply cut pinnae arranged in a chain-like pattern, giving it its common name. The fronds emerge with a bronze-pink color before maturing to a deep, glossy green, creating a stunning architectural element in indoor spaces.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; protect from direct sun; tolerates moderate shade
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; mist regularly to maintain humidity
  • Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix with high organic content
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Humidity: High humidity (50% or higher)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Large pot with adequate drainage holes
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)