If you’re seeking to bring a touch of the wild indoors, Boma's November Indoor Plant of the Month, 'Ferns' are an ideal choice. Their feathery fronds add a softness and depth to any space, creating a peaceful, green retreat from the outside world. With their intricate textures and earthy hues, indoor ferns are perfect for bringing life and character into the home. Below, we’ll explore the beautiful varieties available at Boma Garden Centre, with a special offer this month to help you start (or expand) your indoor fern collection.
Fern Origins and Habitat
Ferns are among the oldest plants on Earth, with origins dating back over 350 million years. First emerging in the Carboniferous period, these plants developed in moist, densely wooded environments, spreading across ancient forests and thriving in shaded, humid habitats. Their natural resilience stems from a unique adaptability, allowing them to survive with limited sunlight and in low-nutrient soils. Over time, ferns evolved tough, complex fronds and a root system that efficiently captures moisture, enabling them to flourish in shaded, protected spots where other plants might struggle. Indoors, ferns bring this natural adaptability to our living spaces, their air-purifying qualities making them a perfect choice for creating a fresh, vibrant atmosphere. Whether you have bright light or a shadier nook, there’s likely a fern that will thrive and add timeless beauty to your home.
The Benefits of Indoor Ferns
Indoor ferns not only bring natural beauty to your home but also offer benefits that make them more than just decor.
1. Air Purification: Ferns are highly effective at removing toxins from the air, keeping your indoor environment fresh and clean.
2. Natural Ambiance: With their delicate, layered fronds, ferns add texture and elegance, blending well with various decor styles.
3. Low Maintenance: While they do enjoy a bit of care, ferns generally thrive with basic indoor conditions and make a great choice for new plant enthusiasts.
Types of Indoor Ferns Available at Boma
At Boma Garden Centre, we carry a selection of indoor ferns, each offering a unique flair. From the airy fronds of Nephrolepis to the sculptural elegance of Platycerium, there’s a fern for every style.
1. Nephrolepis (Boston Fern)
Nephrolepis, commonly known as the Boston Fern, is a popular choice for indoor spaces. Its lush, arching fronds create a soft, feathery display, ideal for hanging baskets or large pots. This fern is a classic for good reason—it brings a light, airy feel and is relatively easy to care for, preferring indirect light and regular misting.
2. Adiantum (Maidenhair Fern)
Adiantum, or Maidenhair Fern, is prized for its delicate, lacy fronds. With fine, intricate leaves that almost look like lacework, it’s an elegant choice for areas with higher humidity, like kitchens or bathrooms. This fern loves indirect light and needs a bit more humidity to keep those delicate fronds looking their best.
3. Asparagus Fern (Not a True Fern)
Although Asparagus fern isn’t technically a fern, its fine, needle-like leaves give it a fern-like appearance that’s irresistible in any green setting. This resilient plant is actually a member of the Asparagaceae family but thrives in similar conditions to ferns. Its feathery foliage adds a whimsical touch and works well in hanging baskets or as a focal point on a shelf.
4. Asplenium (Bird’s Nest Fern)
Asplenium, known as the Bird’s Nest Fern, stands out with its broad, glossy fronds that radiate from a central rosette, resembling a nest. This fern has an almost architectural look and can tolerate lower light conditions, making it a versatile choice for many indoor spaces. Bird’s Nest Ferns add structure and are great for a modern, minimalist look.
5. Pteris (Brake Fern)
Pteris, or Brake Fern, is a striking option with its uniquely variegated leaves. Often featuring white or silver accents, the Brake Fern adds an interesting visual element to any plant collection. It thrives in indirect light and moderate humidity, making it a hardy, eye-catching choice.
6. Phlebodium (Blue Star Fern)
Phlebodium, or Blue Star Fern, has distinctive, blue-green fronds that bring a cool, almost ethereal quality to indoor spaces. Known for being more tolerant of low humidity than other ferns, it’s ideal for those new to indoor fern care. The Blue Star Fern’s unique color and form make it an intriguing addition to any indoor garden.
7. Platycerium (Staghorn Fern)
For those looking to make a statement, the Platycerium, or Staghorn Fern, is a showstopper. Its antler-like fronds give it a sculptural quality that stands out in any room. Often mounted on wood, Staghorn Ferns create a living art piece, blending nature and decor seamlessly. These ferns prefer a bit of humidity and indirect light but are otherwise easygoing.
8. Microsorum (Crocodile Fern)
Named for the textured, scaly look of its leaves, Microsorum or Crocodile Fern is a true conversation piece. With thick, veined fronds that resemble reptile skin, this fern is both exotic and resilient. It thrives in indirect light and moderate moisture, making it a distinctive, low-maintenance choice for indoor spaces.
Tips for Indoor Fern Care
Though ferns have a reputation for needing special attention, they’re fairly straightforward to care for with a few essentials:
1. Humidity: Most ferns love humidity, so regular misting or a nearby humidifier can make a big difference.
2. Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Ferns dislike dry soil, but they also don’t want to sit in waterlogged pots.
3. Light: Ferns generally do best with indirect light. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can scorch their fronds.
4. Soil: Use well-draining, rich potting soil that retains moisture but drains well.
5. Temperature: Most ferns thrive in a consistent temperature, ideally between 18-24°C.
Special Offer on Indoor Ferns at Boma
For November, Boma Garden Centre is offering a special on our indoor fern collection. Whether you’re looking to start a new indoor garden or add to an existing one, our range of ferns will add life, texture, and air-purifying benefits to your space. Visit us today to see these lovely plants up close, and let our knowledgeable team help you find the perfect fern (or two) for your home!
Visit Boma Garden Centre this month and discover the beauty of indoor ferns with our special November offer. Your perfect indoor greenery awaits!
