Tree Ferns with their vertical trunk and cascading fronds make a combination of prehistoric charm and architectural elegance. Hence, I think they can be captivating additions to any fascinating tropical indoor décor. Here, I provided 3 tested ideas for adding Tree Ferns to your indoor decor.
Adding Tree Ferns to a tropical décor with a Tranquil Oasis theme, Modern Paradise theme, or Lush Jungle Retreat theme makes it unique and Stunning. They are ideal themes with Tree Fern planting ideas. But how to perform these ideas? Keep reading to give you details and pro tips in the following.
I also give you Tips about the benefits of Tree Ferns in your house and points for caring for these large indoor ferns that let you design a lasting décor. I also teach you how to identify Tree ferns, which helps you to buy them correctly.
Design your Unique Tropical Décor: 3 Ideal Tree Fern Planting Ideas
Here, you will find everything which is required to perform the tree fern planting ideas in detail.
A- Design a Lush Jungle Retreat With a Tree Fern
- Centrepiece: Elevate your tree fern by placing it in a beautiful woven basket stand or a tall ceramic planter with a natural, earthy tone.
- Layered Greenery: Create a dense jungle vibe by adding smaller tropical plants around the tree fern. Consider spider plants, snake plants, philodendrons, or bromeliads in hanging terrariums or on nearby shelves.
- Textural Touches: Introduce woven wall hangings, macrame plant holders, or textured rugs in natural fibres like jute or sisal for a touch of bohemian flair.
- Tropical Accents: Finish the look with decorative elements that evoke the tropics. Scatter wood carvings of animals like toucans or monkeys, add colourful throw pillows with palm leaf patterns or display vintage travel posters with tropical destinations.
B- Modern Paradise:
- Minimalist Approach: Showcase the architectural beauty of your tree fern by placing it in a sleek, modern planter with clean lines. Look for options in materials like concrete, polished metal, or glazed ceramic.
- Bold Colors: Balance the greenery with pops of vibrant colour. Opt for furniture in jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue. You can also introduce colourful artwork with tropical themes or accent pillows with geometric patterns.
- Statement Lighting: Amplify the modern look with unique lighting. Consider a hanging pendant lamp made of woven rattan or a sculptural floor lamp with a metallic finish.
- Natural Materials: Ground the modern aesthetic with natural materials like woven baskets, wood trays, or a sisal rug.
C- Tranquil Oasis:
- Zen Ambiance: Create a calming atmosphere by positioning your tree fern near a window with filtered light. Consider using a bamboo stand for the planter to enhance the zen feel.
- Serene Palette: Stick to a calming colour scheme with soft greens, whites, and light blues. You can incorporate natural textures like woven baskets and seagrass accents for added tranquillity.
- Water Feature: Introduce a small indoor fountain or a tabletop water feature to create a gentle sound of flowing water, further promoting relaxation.
- Nature-Inspired Decor: Complete the tranquil oasis with nature-inspired artwork, like paintings featuring bamboo forests or calming water scenes. You can also add smooth river stones or polished crystals for a touch of serenity.
Why Must you Add Tree Fern Planting Ideas to your Home Decor?
Here are some reasons why tree ferns can be a great addition to your indoor plant collection:
- Air purification: Tree ferns are known for their ability to absorb pollutants and toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from the air, which can improve indoor air quality [1].
- Humidity regulation: They also help increase humidity levels in their surroundings, which can benefit people with respiratory problems or dry skin [1].
- Low maintenance: Tree ferns are generally considered to be low-maintenance plants. They don’t require frequent watering or fertilizing, making them a good choice for busy plant parents [1].
- Unique form and texture: The architectural form and lacy fronds of tree ferns can add a touch of the tropics to any indoor space and are a conversation starter among guests [1].
- Versatility in design: Tree ferns can be incorporated into various design styles, from a lush jungle retreat to a modern paradise or even a tranquil oasis, depending on your preference.
Things You Must Consider Before Performing Tree Fern Planting Ideas
- Your Indoor Lighting: While they don’t need direct sunlight, they do require bright, indirect light. So, a placement near a window with filtered light is ideal.
- Humidity of Your House: As mentioned earlier, tree ferns prefer high humidity levels. You can mist them regularly or use a humidifier to create a more suitable environment.
- Indoor Temperature: They thrive in moderate temperatures between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-27 degrees Celsius). Avoid placing them near drafts or heating/cooling vents.
Pro Tips to Care for the Tree Fern Indoor
Light:
- Bright, indirect light: Tree ferns don’t appreciate harsh sunlight but need good light levels to flourish. A spot near an east or north-facing window with filtered light is ideal. If you have a dim room read my other post about low light indoor ferns.
- Avoid direct sun: Direct sunlight can scorch the fronds.
Humidity:
- High humidity: Mimic their rainforest habitat by keeping the humidity levels high.
- Misting: Regularly mist the fronds with filtered water, especially during dry seasons or winter months.
- Humidifier: Consider using a pebble tray with water and placing the pot on top, or invest in a humidifier for consistent moisture in the air.
Watering:
- Moderate watering: Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow for proper drainage to prevent root rot.
- Avoid overwatering: Soggy soil can lead to root problems.
- Empty drainage tray: Don’t let your tree fern sit in water; empty the drainage tray after watering.
Temperature:
- Moderate temperatures: Aim for temperatures between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-27 degrees Celsius).
- Avoid extremes: Protect your tree fern from sudden temperature fluctuations, drafts, and hot or cold vents.
Fertilizing:
- Optional: Mature tree ferns can benefit from occasional feeding during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Weakly diluted fertilizer: Use a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Monitor for signs: Be mindful of over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.
Repotting:
- Repot your tree fern every 2-3 years as it grows out of its pot, using a well-draining potting mix.
Pruning:
- You can trim brown or dead fronds at the base to maintain a neat appearance.
Cleaning:
- Occasionally wipe the fronds with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve air circulation.
The Best Pot for Tree Fern Planting Ideas
When choosing a pot for your indoor tree fern, here are some key points to consider:
Material:
- Drainage is key: Select a pot with drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
- Breathable materials: Opt for breathable materials like terracotta, ceramic, or even wooden pots. These allow for air circulation around the roots and help with moisture control.
- Plastic options: While plastic pots are lightweight and affordable, they can trap moisture and hinder air circulation. Choose plastic only if it has excellent drainage and consider drilling additional holes if needed.
Size:
- Slightly larger than root ball: Pick a pot that’s only a few inches larger in diameter than the root ball of your tree fern. This allows for proper growth without excess soil that can stay wet for too long.
- Room for future growth: Aim for a pot with about 2-3 inches of space around the root ball to accommodate future growth. You can repot your tree fern every 2-3 years as it outgrows its current pot.
Style:
- Complement your décor: Choose a pot that complements your overall design theme. Natural materials like terracotta or ceramic can blend seamlessly with various styles, while modern options might include sleek concrete or glazed ceramic pots.
The pros and cons of different materials of Pots for Tree Fern Planting Ideas
Terracotta:
- Pros: Breathable, promotes good drainage, readily available.
- Cons: Can dry out quickly, prone to cracking or chipping.
Ceramic:
- Pros: Breathable, comes in various styles and colors, retains moisture better than terracotta.
- Cons: Can be heavier than plastic, may be more expensive.
Wood:
- Pros: Naturally beautiful, adds a rustic charm, good drainage.
- Cons: Can rot over time with excessive moisture, may require special care.
Plastic:
- Pros: Lightweight, affordable, comes in various sizes.
- Cons: Can trap moisture and hinder air circulation, less aesthetically pleasing than other options.
Ultimately, the best pot for your tree fern depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the drainage capabilities, material breathability, size for growth, and how it complements your décor when making your choice.
The Best Soil for Tree Fern Planting Ideas
When it comes to choosing the best soil for your indoor tree fern, the key is to create a well-draining, yet moisture-retentive mix that mimics its natural rainforest environment. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:
Opt for a pre-mixed option:
- Commercially available aroid or fern mix: Look for bagged potting mixes specifically formulated for aroids or ferns. These mixes usually contain a good blend of ingredients that provide drainage and moisture retention.
- Orchid mix: Another option is a well-draining orchid mix. However, you might need to add some organic matter like compost or peat moss to increase moisture retention for your tree fern.
Create your own potting mix:
Base ingredients: Here’s a basic recipe you can use as a starting point:
- Two parts orchid bark or coco coir: Provides excellent drainage and air circulation.
- One part perlite or pumice: Further improves drainage and prevents soil compaction.
- One part of organic matter: Provides nutrients and helps retain moisture. You can use a combination of sphagnum peat moss, composted manure, or worm castings.
Adjustments based on observation:
- Fine-tune the mix: The ideal ratio might vary slightly depending on your climate and pot material. If your tree fern seems to dry out too quickly, add a bit more organic matter. Conversely, if it stays soggy for too long, increase the proportion of drainage materials.
- Monitor drainage: Ensure the potting mix drains freely and doesn’t leave the tree fern sitting in water.
- Coarse ingredients: Use chunky pieces of bark or coco coir for better drainage and air pockets around the roots.
- Avoid garden soil: Regular garden soil is too dense and retains too much moisture, which can be detrimental to your tree fern.
- Fresh mix: When repotting, use fresh potting mix to avoid potential diseases or pests that might linger in old soil.
How to Identify Tree Fern to Buy?
Tree Ferns are not a specific species. They belong to the plant group Polypodiophyta, which encompasses most living ferns. However, within this group, tree ferns are not a single, unified category. They represent several lineages that have independently evolved a tree-like growth form. Here’s a breakdown of the main groups:
- Scaly Tree Ferns (Order Cyatheales, families Cyatheaceae): Characterized by scaly or spiny stems and leaves. Examples include:
- Black Tree Fern: Cyathea cooperi
- Rough Tree Fern: Cyathea australis
- Soft Tree Ferns (Order Cyatheales, families Dicksoniaceae): Known for hairy or smooth stems and leaves. Examples include:
- Tasmanian Tree Fern: Dicksonia antarctica
- Weeping Tree Fern: Dicksonia fibrosa
Appearance of Tree Ferns
- Trunk: Unlike true trees, tree ferns have a trunk-like structure called a rhizome. This rhizome grows vertically and is covered in roots and scales or hairs depending on the species. It provides support but lacks the woody tissue found in tree trunks.
- Fronds: Tree ferns boast large, feathery fronds that unfurl from the top of the rhizome. These fronds can be single or multiple-pinnately divided, creating a lush, green canopy.
- Size: Tree ferns come in various sizes. Some species can reach impressive heights of over 10 meters (33 feet), while others remain relatively short.
- Evergreen: one of the best things about Most tree ferns is they are evergreen houseplants and can keep their fronds year-round.
Conclusion
Now, you have three stunning tropical themes for your home including Lush Jungle Retreat, Modern Paradise, and Tranquil Oasis. I love the prehistoric feel of adding a Tree Fern to any décor. I think all Tree Fern planting ideas presented in this post are unique form evoke a sense of the prehistoric era in your house.
Adding houseplants similar to ferns or a combination of small indoor ferns with them will raise its tropical sense. The good news is almost all of them have similar caring requirements that make it easy for you to take care of them.
Do you think which of these tree fern planting ideas is more proper for your indoor décor? Why? please share your experiences and ideas with us below this page.
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.