Soft Tree Fern ( Dicksonia antarctica), Australian Tree Fern (Cyathea australis), Mother Fern ( Asplenium bulbiferum ), Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), and Crocodile Fern (Blechnum gibbum ) are 5 stunning large indoor ferns which are ideal for your modern tropical décor.
You may be surprised if I tell you Some like Soft Tree Fern ( Dicksonia antarctica) can row up 5 -15 m high although they often reach 2-3 m indoors. Hence, having one of them in our living room will bring a tropical sense with a touch of beauty to our house.
In the following, I provide you with 5 special large ferns with their images. I also will tell you pro tips about their caring and facts which encourage you to add them to your indoor plant collection.so, don’t waste time and let’s get going.
Stunning Large Indoor Ferns
Here are some large indoor ferns that can add a touch of the tropics to your home:
Soft Tree Fern
Scientific name: Dicksonia antarctica
Other common names: Man Fern, Australian Tree Fern (Also used for other Cyathea species)
This large indoor fern can boast an impressive and elegant appearance.
Pro Tips for Taking Care of Large Indoor Ferns: Soft Tree Fern
Light:
Prefers: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.
Not ideal: Avoid placing it in full shade or drafty locations.
Watering:
Key: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Aim for evenly moist soil throughout the pot.
Watering frequency: During the growing season (spring and summer), you might need to water daily, especially in dry climates or with high temperatures. In cooler months, water less frequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Tip: It’s better to underwater slightly than overwater, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
Humidity:
Thrives in: High humidity levels similar to its native rainforest habitat.
Ways to increase humidity:
Mist the fronds regularly with filtered or lukewarm water.
Group the fern with other humidity-loving plants to create a microclimate.
Use a pebble tray filled with water (place the pot on top of the pebbles, but not directly in the water).
Consider using a humidifier.
Temperature:
Prefers: Moderate temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Not ideal: Avoid placing it near heating vents or drafty areas.
Fertilizer:
Optional: You can feed your Dicksonia antarctica a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Important: Don’t fertilize during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Repotting:
Frequency: Repot every 2-3 years when the fern outgrows its pot or the roots become root-bound.
Potting mix: Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for ferns or epiphytes. You can also create your own mix with ingredients like perlite, orchid bark, and peat moss.
Cleaning: Gently remove any dead or brown fronds at the base to maintain a tidy appearance.
Brown fronds: Don’t be alarmed if some older fronds turn brown; this is a natural part of the growth process. Just remove them as needed.
Slow growth: Dicksonia antarctica is a relatively slow-growing fern, so be patient and enjoy its gradual development.
Australian Tree Fern
Scientific name: Cyathea australis
Other common names: Rough Tree Fern, Slender Tree Fern, Black Tree Fern, Red-collared Tree Fern
This fern can grow quite tall indoors, with finely cut, broad, and bright-green fronds that form a graceful canopy atop a slender trunk. It prefers bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil.
Pro Tips for Taking Care of Large Indoor Ferns
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water deeply so that water reaches the roots.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity. You can increase humidity by misting the fronds regularly, placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, or using a humidifier.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years when the fern outgrows its pot or the roots become pot-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for ferns.
The Place in Your House for Australian Tree Fern
Best Spot: A bright, indirect light location is key. Ideal spots include a sunroom with filtered light, near a north-facing window, or a few feet away from an east-facing window.
Not ideal: Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or drafty areas.
Common Problems of Australian Tree Fern: Pests and Diseases
Pests (Tiny bugs on your houseplant):
Mites: Look for tiny webbing or stippling on the fronds.
Mealybugs: These cottony white insects cluster on the undersides of leaves and stems.
Treatments:
For both pests, a strong spray of water can dislodge them. For persistent infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil solution following the product label instructions.
Diseases: Not very common, but root rot can occur due to overwatering. Ensure proper drainage and adjust watering frequency.
Why you Must add Australian Tree Fern to your Tropical Décor
Dramatic Impact: This fern makes a stunning statement with its tall, graceful form and lush canopy of fronds. It instantly adds a touch of the tropics to any room.
Mother Fern
Scientific name: Asplenium bulbiferum
Other Common names: Kangaroo Paw Fern, Wart Fern
This fern has an upright arching habit and can grow 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It has long, arching fronds with glossy green leaflets. It prefers partial to full shade.
Pro Tips for Taking Care of Large Indoor Ferns: Mother Fern
Light: Prefers partial to full shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Humidity: Appreciates moderate to high humidity. Mist the fronds regularly or use a pebble tray to increase humidity.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years when the fern outgrows its pot or the roots become pot-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for ferns.
The Place in Your House for Mother Fern
Best Spot: This fern prefers partial shade. A location near an east-facing window or a bright bathroom with indirect light would be perfect.
Not ideal: Avoid placing it in full sun or very low-light areas.
Common Problems of Mother Fern: Pests and Diseases
Pests: Similar to the Australian Tree Fern, mites and mealybugs can be occasional problems. Treat them as mentioned above.
Diseases:
Bacterial wilt: Causes yellowing and wilting of leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overwatering. Remove affected leaves.
Fungal diseases: Brown or black spots on leaves can indicate fungal issues. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. For severe cases, a fungicide might be necessary.
Why you Must Add Mother Fern to your Tropical Décor
Air Purifying Powerhouse: Not only is the Mother Fern beautiful, but it’s also a natural air purifier, helping to remove toxins from your indoor
Boston Fern
Scientific name: Nephrolepis exaltata
Other Common names: Sword Fern, Lady Fern
A classic choice for indoor ferns, the Boston Fern can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide. It has lush, feathery fronds that are a beautiful deep green color. It prefers bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil. There’s also a dwarf variety called ‘Cotton Candy’ that has finer, softer fronds and stays more compact.
Pro Tips for Taking Care of Large Indoor Ferns: Boston Fern
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Humidity: Thrives in high humidity. You can increase humidity by misting the fronds regularly, placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, or using a humidifier.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years when the fern outgrows its pot or the roots become pot-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for ferns.
The Place in Your House for Boston Fern
Best Spot: Similar to the Australian Tree Fern, the Boston Fern thrives in bright, indirect light. A location near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet away from a south-facing window would be ideal.
Not ideal: Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or dark corners.
Common Problems of Boston Fern: Pests and Diseases
Pests:
Scale: These appear as small, brown bumps on the leaves and stems.
Fungus gnats: Tiny flying insects near the soil indicate fungus gnats.
Treatments:
For scale, use insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
For fungus gnats, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings and consider using mosquito dunks in the watering tray to control larvae.
Diseases: Similar to the Mother Fern, bacterial wilt and fungal diseases can occur. Follow the same treatment methods mentioned above.
Why you Must Add Boston Fern to your Tropical Décor
Classic Beauty: A timeless choice for indoor ferns, the Boston Fern offers a luxurious feel with its cascading, feathery fronds. It’s a versatile plant that complements various décor styles.
Low Maintenance: Compared to other large ferns, the Boston Fern is relatively forgiving when it comes to watering and light requirements.
Crocodile Fern
Scientific name: Blechnum gibbum
Other Common names: Leatherleaf Fern, Scaly Fern
This fern gets its name from the distinctive green veining that forms a crocodile-like pattern on its foliage. It has strap-like, bright green fronds that can grow up to 3 feet long. It prefers partial to full shade and evenly moist soil.
Pro Tips for Taking Care of Large Indoor Ferns: Crocodile Fern
Light: Prefers partial to full shade. Avoid direct sunlight.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Humidity: Appreciates moderate to high humidity. Mist the fronds regularly or use a pebble tray to increase humidity.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years when the fern outgrows its pot or the roots become pot-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for ferns.
The Place in Your House for Crocodile Fern
Best Spot: This fern appreciates partial to full shade. A north-facing window, a bright bathroom with indirect light, or even a well-lit corner in your living room (away from direct sunlight) would be suitable.
Not ideal: Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or very low-light areas.
Common Problems of Crocodile Fern: Pests and Diseases
Pests: The same pests as the other ferns – mites, mealybugs, and potentially scale. Treat them as described previously.
Diseases:
Root rot: Overwatering is the main culprit. Ensure proper drainage and adjust watering.
Frond browning: This can be due to underwatering, low humidity, or excessive fluoride in your tap water. Adjust watering and consider using filtered water or letting tap water sit for 24 hours before using.
Why you Must Add Crocodile Fern to your Tropical Décor
Unique Conversation Starter: The Crocodile Fern’s captivating, textured foliage with its distinctive crocodile-like veining is sure to spark curiosity and conversation among your guests.
Thrives in Bathrooms: This fern loves humidity, making it a perfect choice for a bathroom where it can add a touch of life and greenery.
General Tips for Caring for Large Indoor Ferns
Regularly inspect your ferns for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection is key for successful treatment.
Maintain proper watering and avoid overwatering, which can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to problems.
While the Australian Tree Fern, Mother Fern, and Crocodile Fern are generally resistant to major diseases, all ferns can be susceptible to common issues with proper care.
Ensure good air circulation around your ferns.
Keep humidity levels moderate to high, especially for the Australian Tree Fern and Boston Fern.
If the infestation or disease is severe, isolate the affected plant and seek advice from a local nursery or gardening expert.
Bonus Tip: Since most of these ferns prefer humidity, grouping them together can help create a mini-humid microclimate. You can also place them on pebble trays filled with water to increase humidity around them.
Conclusion
I provided you with images and caring points of 5 large indoor décor including Soft Tree Fern ( Dicksonia antarctica), Australian Tree Fern (Cyathea australis), Mother Fern ( Asplenium bulbiferum ), Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), and Crocodile Fern (Blechnum gibbum ).
I think they are ideal for every modern tropical décor, although you must consider ways to provide bright indirect sunlight along with humidity for them and prize these stunning large houseplants with a proper fertilizer during the growth seasons. I also recommend reading “3 indoor plants similar to ferns” they can also be unique for your indoor collection.
I love Mother Fern ( Asplenium bulbiferum ) because can thrive in my low-light living room. Which of these large indoor ferns is more proper for your indoor décor? Why? Please share your ideas with my readers and me below this page and feel free to ask me your questions.
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.