3 Indoor Plants Similar to Ferns: Unique for Your Curated Collection

True ferns belong to Equisetidae (Equisetopsida), Ophioglossidae (Psilotopsida), Marattiidae (Marattiopsida), and Polypodiidae (Polypodiopsida) and almost all indoor ferns are a member of Polypodiidae (Polypodiopsida). However, some plants look like ferns but are not. In the following, I provided several indoor plants similar to ferns.

Club moss (Lycopodiaceae), Spike moss (Selaginellales) such as Bird’s-foot Fern (Selaginella uncinata), and Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus) are unique house plants similar to ferns. I call them unique because have special features that make them deserve for your curated indoor plant collection.

For example, having a Club Moss (Lycopodiaceae) in your collection parallels having a living fossil in your house. The bonus of having them is they can all be grown together due to similar care requirements. It makes them ideal for those who love having a terrarium.

You can also group them on a humidity tray. Anyway, these are stunning house plants similar to ferns and having them together helps us imagine the scene of a miniature forest right in our home! Let’s find their caring for points and even more in the following.

Unique House Plants Similar to Ferns

Here, you will get familiar with the appearance of 3 stunning house plants similar to ferns and tips for caring for them. I also will tell you facts about them that make them more attractive.  If you are ready let’s get going.

Club Moss (Lycopodiaceae): (Staghorn Clubmoss – Lycopodium Clavatum)

Club Moss (Lycopodiaceae) Appearance:

• Foliage: Evergreen with creeping stems covered in small, scale-like leaves that overlap and resemble shingles.
• Color: Green with a slightly yellowish tinge.
• Overall Shape: Low-growing and spreading, forming a carpet-like groundcover or climbing on supports.

Special Feature: Some species (like Staghorn Clubmoss) produce spore-bearing structures called strobili at the tips of upright branches. These strobili look like tiny yellow cones.

Tips for Caring for Club Moss (Lycopodiaceae)

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh sunlight, which can scorch the foliage.
• Water: Likes consistently moist soil, but not soggy. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
• Humidity: Thrives in high humidity. Mist regularly, especially in dry climates, or use a pebble tray filled with water. please read my article about Lucky bamboo humidity to take your inspiration.
• Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark can work well.
• Fertilizer: Apply a weak liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring and summer).

Why you must add a Club Moss to your Curated Indoor Plant Collection?

• Living Fossil: These plants have been around for millions of years, offering a connection to prehistoric times.
• Textural Contrast: The scale-like foliage adds a unique texture to your collection, complementing smooth-leafed plants.
• Low Light Tolerance plant: thrives in shadier areas, perfect for brightening up those dimly lit corners.
• Air Purifying plant: Certain species of club moss can help remove toxins from your indoor environment.

 

Spike Moss (Selaginellales): Bird’s-foot Fern (Selaginella uncinata)

Spike Moss (Selaginellales) Appearance:

• Foliage: Delicate and feathery with small, pointed leaves arranged in two opposing rows along the stems.
• Color: Light to bright green, some varieties have a yellow or bronze tinge.
• Overall Shape: Low-growing and mat-forming, with creeping stems that branch out in a star-like pattern.

Special Feature: The leaves resemble bird’s feet (hence the name), with forked tips and a slightly flattened appearance compared to true ferns.

Tips for Caring for Bird’s-foot Fern (Selaginella uncinata):

• Light: Prefers medium to low indirect light. Avoid strong sunlight.
• Water: Requires consistently moist soil, similar to club moss. Aim for even moisture but avoid letting the soil become waterlogged.
• Humidity: Enjoys high humidity. Mist regularly or use a pebble tray. Terrariums can be a good environment for these plants.
• Soil: Well-draining to avoid root rot, organic potting mix. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand can be suitable.
• Fertilizer: Not a heavy feeder. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.

Why you must add a Club Moss to your Curated Indoor Plant Collection?

• Miniature Marvel: Offers a delicate and intricate fern-like appearance in a compact size, ideal for terrariums or small spaces.
• Color Options: Varieties come in shades of green, yellow, or bronze, adding pops of color and variety to your plant family.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal attention once established, perfect for busy plant owners.
• Humidity Boosters: Naturally increases humidity levels around them, benefiting other humidity-loving plants.

 

Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus):

Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus) Appearance:

• Foliage: Thread-like needles arranged in clusters that resemble bottle brushes.
• Color: Bright to deep green, some varieties have a slightly greyish cast.
• Overall Shape: Airy and graceful, with arching stems that grow upright or cascading depending on the variety.

Special Feature: The feathery foliage is soft and delicate, lacking the true leaves found in ferns. Some varieties may have tiny white flowers followed by small red berries.

Tips for Caring for Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus)

• Light: Needs bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
• Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity, but can tolerate average home humidity levels. Misting occasionally can be beneficial.
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix. A standard houseplant mix or a cactus mix with added organic matter can work well.
• Fertilizer: Apply a weak liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Why you must add a Club Moss to your Curated Indoor Plant Collection?

• Airy Elegance: The feathery foliage creates a light and graceful presence in your space.
• Architectural Interest: The arching stems and cascading varieties add a vertical element to your plant décor.
• Long-lasting: Asparagus Ferns are known for their longevity with proper care.
• Unique Touch: While not a true fern, it offers a fern-like aesthetic with a twist, standing out from typical houseplants.

General Tips for Caring for Your Fern Look-Alikes:

1. Good drainage: Ensure your pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
2. Potting: Repot every 1-2 years when the plant outgrows its current pot.
3. Grooming: Remove dead or brown foliage to maintain a healthy appearance.

By following these tips, you can create a thriving miniature fern forest in your home with these unique houseplants!

Conclusion

Now, you have three unique house plants similar to ferns including Club moss (Lycopodiaceae), Spike moss (Selaginellales) such as Bird’s-foot Fern (Selaginella uncinata), and Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus). Most indoor ferns belong to Polypodiidae (Polypodiopsida), but the three above plants are not. Although they look like ferns but are from various taxonomic origins.

I provided you with pro tips about their caring for and you found out they have similar requirements. It is ideal for those who want to have all of them in a specific collection.  Do you know other houseplants look like ferns but are not a true fern?

Please share your idea with my readers and me below this page and ask me your questions. I also recommend reading Blue Star Fern Problems.