Silver Tree Fern (Cyathea dealbata), Dwarf Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi), and Ballroom Tree Fern (Cibotium glaucum) are indoor fern trees that are ideal for any tropical décor. I picked them for interior décor due to their adaptability to indoor conditions, their proper size for indoors, their ability to tolerate slightly lower humidity levels, and their aesthetic features.
In the following, I discuss them in more detail including their looking features, caring points, tips for growing them in the pot, and indoor fern tree problems. Hence keep reading.
Best Indoor Fern Trees
Here, you will get familiar with the Silver Tree Fern, Dwarf Tree Fern, and Ballroom Tree Fern in various aspects.
Silver Lady Tree Fern
Scientific name: Cyathea dealbata
Appearance:
- Overall:
Elegant and graceful.
- Fronds:
Arching, feathery fronds with a beautiful silvery-green color. Indoors, they might not reach their full size (up to 6 meters) but can still grow quite impressive, reaching 1-2 meters (3-6.5 feet) in height.
- Trunk:
This fern is known for its slender, silvery-white trunk that adds a unique textural element indoors. As it matures indoors, the trunk may develop a brown or grayish cast.
Caring for Indoor Fern Tree: Silver Lady Tree Fern
Light:
These ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh midday sun which can scorch the fronds. A north-facing window or a spot several feet away from a south or east-facing window is ideal.
Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow for excess water to drain freely from the pot’s drainage holes.
Humidity:
Both these ferns thrive in high humidity (around 60-80%). Misting them regularly, especially during dry winter months, is helpful. You can also group them with other humidity-loving plants or place them on a pebble tray filled with water.
Temperature:
They prefer warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid placing them near cold drafts or air conditioning vents.
Fertilizer:
During the growing season (spring and summer), you can fertilize them once a month with a diluted liquid fertilizer for ferns.
Repotting:
Repot your fern every 2-3 years or when the roots outgrow the pot. Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for ferns or orchids.
Frond Care:
Brown or crispy frond tips can indicate underwatering or low humidity. You can trim these off with sharp shears.
Cleaning:
Wipe down the fronds occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve air circulation.
Dwarf Tree Fern
Scientific name: Cyathea cooperi
Appearance:
- Overall:
Compact and manageable, perfect for smaller spaces.
- Fronds:
Similar to the Silver Lady, with arching, feathery fronds in a vibrant green color. Indoors, they typically stay on the smaller side, reaching around 1 meter (3 feet) tall.
- Trunk:
Like the Silver Lady, it has a slender trunk, but due to its smaller size, it might take longer to develop a noticeable trunk indoors.
Caring for Indoor Fern Tree: Dwarf Tree Fern
Taking care of Dwarf Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi) is similar to Silver Lady Tree Fern (Cyathea dealbata).
Ballroom Tree Fern
Scientific name: Cibotium glaucum
Appearance:
- Overall:
Luxuriant and tropical, adding a touch of drama to your space.
- Fronds:
Long, arching fronds with a glossy, dark green color. Indoors, they can reach a decent size, growing up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall.
- Trunk:
The most distinctive feature indoors. It has a thick, scaly trunk that starts off light brown and darkens with age. This textured trunk adds a lot of visual interest.
Caring for Indoor Fern Tree: Ballroom Tree Fern
Light:
Similar to the other two ferns, it prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid strong sunlight.
Watering:
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but allow for excess water to drain. Unlike the other two ferns, Ballroom Tree Ferns can tolerate drying out slightly between waterings.
Humidity:
High humidity (around 70-80%) is ideal. Misting regularly, using a pebble tray, or a humidifier are all recommended.
Temperature:
It thrives in warm temperatures, similar to the Silver Lady and Dwarf Tree Fern (around 65-80°F / 18-27°C).
Fertilizer:
Fertilise monthly during spring and summer with a diluted liquid fertiliser for ferns or palms.
Repotting:
Repot every 2-3 years or when the roots outgrow the pot. Use a well-draining potting mix for ferns or palms with good aeration.
Trunk Care:
The scaly trunk is a natural part of the fern and doesn’t requires special care. However, you can gently wipe it down with a damp cloth if it gets dusty.
Frond Care:
Similar to the other ferns, you can trim off brown or crispy frond tips with sharp shears.
Pro Tips for Growing Tree Ferns in Pots
Here are some tips for growing tree ferns (Silver Lady, Dwarf, and Ballroom) in pots indoors:
Lighting:
- Bright, indirect light is key. Avoid harsh midday sun that can scorch the fronds. A north-facing window or a spot several feet away from a south or east-facing window is ideal.
- Rotate your fern occasionally to ensure even growth on all sides.
Watering:
- Maintain consistent moisture, but not soggy soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow excess water to drain freely from the pot’s drainage holes. Here’s a breakdown for each fern:
- Silver Lady & Dwarf Tree Fern: Prefer consistently moist soil.
- Ballroom Tree Fern: Can tolerate drying out slightly between waterings.
- Avoid underwatering: This can cause brown or crispy frond tips.
- Avoid overwatering: This can lead to root rot.
Humidity:
- High humidity (around 60-80%) is ideal for all three ferns. This can be challenging indoors, so here are some tips:
- Mist the fronds regularly, especially during dry winter months.
- Group your ferns with other humidity-loving plants.
- Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. The water will evaporate and increase humidity around the fern. Consider placing the tray on a riser to avoid the pot sitting in water.
- Use a humidifier near your ferns.
Temperature:
- Maintain warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
- Avoid cold drafts or air conditioning vents.
Fertilizer:
- During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize monthly with a diluted liquid fertilizer for ferns or palms.
Potting:
- Choose a pot with drainage holes.
- Use a saucer under the pot to catch excess water, but empty it regularly.
- Consider a pebble tray filled with water to increase humidity.
Recommendations for Growing Tree Ferns in Pots
- Wipe down the fronds occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve air circulation.
- Trim off brown or crispy frond tips with sharp shears.
- Keep an eye out for pests like mealybugs or scale. Treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
- Enjoy the fresh air! Ferns are air purifiers and can improve indoor air quality.
- Research the specific needs of your fern variety.
- Ferns may have slower growth indoors.
- Maintaining high humidity can be challenging indoors.
- While these ferns can thrive indoors with proper care, their growth rate might be slower than outdoors. Also, maintaining high humidity can be challenging indoors, so misting the fronds regularly or using a pebble tray can be helpful.
- Rotate your fern occasionally to ensure even growth on all sides.
Best Pot for Indoor Fern Tree
Here, first I consider critical factors in choosing the best pot for indoor fern in trees including their material, drainage, and size.
Material:
- Plastic: A classic and affordable option. It’s lightweight and retains moisture well, which is beneficial for these ferns. However, plastic pots can restrict air circulation to the roots and may not be the most aesthetically pleasing choice.
- Ceramic: Provides good weight and stability for taller ferns like the Ballroom Tree Fern. They come in various styles and colors, allowing you to match your décor. However, ceramic pots can be heavier and may dry out the soil faster than plastic.
- Terracotta: Similar to ceramic in terms of weight and stability. Terracotta allows for better air circulation and helps prevent root rot. However, it can also dry out the soil faster than plastic.
Drainage:
- Crucial for all three ferns. Choose a pot with drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape. Sitting water can lead to root rot.
Size:
- Start with a pot only slightly larger than the current root ball. Ferns generally prefer to be slightly root-bound. As your fern grows, you can repot it into a pot 2-3 inches larger in diameter.
- Consider the mature size of the fern. While the Silver Lady and Dwarf Tree Fern stay relatively compact indoors, the Ballroom Tree Fern can grow taller. Choose a pot with some room for future growth, but avoid going too large initially.
Pot Recommendations for Each Indoor Fern Tree
Silver Lady Tree Fern (Cyathea dealbata) and Dwarf Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi):
Due to their smaller size and preference for consistent moisture, plastic pots can be a good choice. However, if you prefer a more decorative look, a glazed ceramic pot with good drainage holes would work well too.
Ballroom Tree Fern (Cibotium glaucum):
This larger fern might benefit from the weight and stability of a ceramic pot. However, if you’re concerned about overwatering, a terracotta pot with good drainage can be a good option.
Two Golden Tips for Potting Indoor Fern Trees:
- Use a saucer under your pot to catch excess water, but empty it regularly to prevent the roots from sitting in water.
- Consider placing your fern pot on top of a bed of pebbles in a tray filled with water. This can help increase humidity around the fern without risking root rot.
Indoor Tree Fern Problems
Tree ferns, while relatively low-maintenance, can encounter some problems when grown indoors or outdoors. Here’s a breakdown of common issues and solutions.
Early detection and intervention are key to addressing tree fern problems. By monitoring your fern’s health and providing proper care, you can help prevent these issues and keep your tree fern thriving.
Lighting Issues for Tree Fern Problems:
Insufficient light
- Problem: it can cause slow growth, weak or leggy stems, and pale fronds.
- Solution: Move your fern to a brighter location with indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during harsh midday hours.
Watering Issues for Tree Fern Problems:
Overwatering: This is a major threat.
- Problem: Signs include yellowing or browning fronds, wilting, and mushy or foul-smelling soil.
- Solution: Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering. Ensure your pot has drainage holes and excess water can escape. In severe cases, repot the fern into fresh, well-draining potting mix after removing any rotten roots.
Underwatering: While less common, it can also be an issue.
- Problem: Signs include dry, crispy fronds, and overall wilting.
- Solution: Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain.
Humidity Issues for Tree Fern Problems:
Low humidity: Tree ferns prefer high humidity.
- Problem: Signs include brown, crispy edges on fronds and stunted growth.
- Solution: Mist the fronds regularly, group your fern with other humidity-loving plants, use a pebble tray, or consider a humidifier.
Pests and Diseases of Indoor Fern Trees:
Pests:
While not common, mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids can attack tree ferns.
- Solution: Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution according to the product label.
Diseases:
Fungal diseases like root rot can occur in poorly drained soil or with overwatering.
- Solution: Preventative measures are key. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering. Treat fungal diseases with fungicide according to the product label. However, severely affected plants might not be salvageable.
Nutrient deficiencies of Indoor Fern Trees:
This can lead to stunted growth and pale fronds.
- Solution: Fertilize your fern monthly during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertilizer for ferns or palms.
Temperature extremes:
Ferns prefer warm temperatures. Avoid cold drafts or placing them near air conditioning vents.
Repotting issues of Indoor Fern Trees:
Ferns may need repotting every 2-3 years as they grow. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the root ball and use a well-draining potting mix.
Different Types of Fern Trees (Outdoors and Indoors)
Finally, I decided to provide you with a list of common types of tree ferns. Although most are perfect for the outdoors, if you are an expert or have a big house, you can choose more indoor fern trees. You can find more in my other post “Large indoor ferns“.
Silver Tree Fern
Scientific name: Cyathea dealbata
Other common name: Silver Lady Tree Fern
This stunning fern with its silvery-white trunk is known for its adaptability and can do well indoors if given bright, indirect light and consistent moisture. It is native to Australia and New Zealand. It’s known for its silvery-white trunk and arching fronds that can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) long.
Mamaku
Scientific name: Cyathea medullaris
This fast-growing fern is native to New Zealand. It has a spiky trunk and fronds that can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) long.
Australian Tree Fern
Scientific name: Cyathea australis
Other common name: Shaggy Tree Fern
Australian Tree Fern (Cyathea australis): This Australian native fern has a scaly trunk and green, arching fronds that can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet) long.
Dwarf Tree Fern
Scientific name: Cyathea cooperi
This Australian native is a popular choice for indoor spaces due to its manageable size. It prefers similar conditions as the Silver Lady Tree Fern.
Rough Tree Fern
Scientific name: Dicksonia antarctica
Other common name: Tasmanian Tree Fern
This slow-growing fern is native to Tasmania, New Zealand, and southern South America. It has a hairy trunk and fronds that can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet) long.
Scientific name: Dicksonia fibrosa
Other common name: Christmas Tree Fern
This fern is native to New Zealand. It has a fibrous trunk and fronds that can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet) long.
Ballroom Tree Fern
Scientific name: Cibotium glaucum
Other common name: Hawaiian Tree Fern
These are just a few of the many different types of tree ferns available. With their unique appearance and interesting growth habits, tree ferns can add a touch of the tropics to any garden.
This fern is native to southern China, Taiwan, Japan, and the Ryukyu Islands. It has a scaly trunk and fronds that can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet) long.
While not native to Hawaii, this fern can be happy indoors if given high humidity, filtered light, and well-draining soil.
Brazilian Tree Fern
Scientific name: Alsophila gratissima
Other common name: Schaffer’s Tree Fern
This fern is native to the Atlantic Rainforest of southeastern Brazil. It has a slender, scaly trunk and delicate, feathery fronds that can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) long.
Soft Tree Fern
Scientific name: Blechnum gibbum
Other common name: Scaly Tree Fern, Kangaroo Fern
This fern isn’t technically a true tree fern since it doesn’t grow a large trunk. However, it can develop a short, scaly trunk and has soft, green fronds that can grow up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) long.
Conclusion
Now, you have a list of tree ferns and 3 of the best for your interior tropical décor: Silver Tree Fern (Cyathea dealbata), Dwarf Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi), and Ballroom Tree Fern (Cibotium glaucum).
I told you how to care for these indoor fern trees healthy and gave you pro tips for growing them in a planter. I also provided you with a list of fern tree problems.
please tell my readers and me about your experiences with growing indoor fern trees below this page. I recommend reading my other post “Unique Tree Fern Planting Ideas” to make your inspiration.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.