Do ferns do well in low light
Mia Walsh
Published Apr 21, 2026
Many ferns, including button, Autumn, rabbit’s foot, maidenhair and more, are good options for low-light situations. Give them consistently moist soil and low to medium light.
How many hours of light do ferns need?
SUN LOVING FERNS can take direct sun for about 4 hours per day (morning, mid or afternoon) and filtered the rest of the day. These ferns thrive on LESS water which makes them easily adaptable to sunny locations.
What is the best light for ferns?
Ferns do best with indirect lighting. A north-facing window is ideal although during the winter months, when the sun is low on the horizon, an east window is fine for these plants.
Where should I place a fern in my house?
The best place for ferns is in a south-facing or north-facing window; if you want to place them near an east-facing or west-facing window, keep them a few feet away from the window to avoid burning the leaves. You don’t need a bright light in your house to grow ferns.Do ferns prefer light or shade?
Perennial plants that grow in nearly every country around the world, ferns provide interesting color and texture and a lush, woodsy feel to the garden. Although most ferns are woodland plants that prefer moist, shady areas, some hardy types tolerate sunlight with ample water and protection from intense afternoon light.
Do ferns need shade?
Ferns are a natural inhabitant of shady areas, most commonly found where they will get at least some sun during part of the day or where they will receive dappled sunlight most of the day. In fact most ferns will not grow that well in real dense shade, they need a bit of sun to grow their best.
Do ferns do well indoors?
Ferns can add a tropical look to your home. Many make wonderful, low-maintenance houseplants, as long as you’re careful to provide the right amounts of light and moisture. Meet a half-dozen of our indoor favorites. … It’s also considered one of the most effective houseplants for removing air pollutants.
Why is my fern drooping?
Watering Indoor Ferns Too much water and the plant will develop yellowing or droopy fronds, a sign of root rot. Too little water, and the fern’s fronds will also begin to droop. … Feel the fern’s soil in between watering and make sure the soil is slightly dried out, but not bone-dry, before watering again.How often should ferns be watered?
As a rule, they prefer 1 to 2 inches of water a week, but this also depends on the soil and the growth rate. Ferns grown in light, sandy soil require more frequent watering than those grown in dense clay soil.
Why is my indoor fern dying?A dying fern is usually because of underwatering or the humidity is too low which saps moisture from the leaves causing them to turn brown and crispy. Indoor ferns prefer a humidity of 50% and require the soil to be consistently moist to prevent the leaves turning brown and dying.
Article first time published onDo ferns need a lot of sun?
Give ferns plenty of indirect light. Most ferns prefer indirect light, which means you should avoid placing them where sunlight will hit them. In direct sun, fern fronds can get burned, resulting in a dry, crispy plant.
Are ferns indoor or outdoor plants?
Ferns are low-maintenance indoor plants, but it’s important that you mimic their natural outdoor environment when you grow them in your home. Ferns grow best indoors when kept in the shade and misted with water daily to simulate humid outdoor conditions.
Do ferns do well in bathrooms?
Ferns are a great option for your bathroom, especially varieties like the bird’s nest fern. This particular plant does better in lower light environments, so if you want to brighten up a dimmer bathroom with a little greenery, this should be your go-to.
Do ferns like grow lights?
Light. Although most ferns grow in moist, shady places like forest floors, this does not mean that they need no light. … They can be given artificial light, but this should be from a special gardening bulb or a fluorescent strip. Ordinary light bulbs generate too much heat.
Where do ferns grow best?
Woodland ferns do best in high or dappled shade. The open shade of mature trees or the north side of the house or a wall, open to the sky, provide nearly ideal light conditions. Most woodland ferns will adapt to relatively low light levels, but no ferns thrive in deep shade.
How long do indoor ferns live?
There are tons of different species of ferns, but they all generally need the same thing: water, warmth, and shade. By putting your fern in the right spot and keeping an eye on it, you can grow your fern to its full potential and keep it around for years to come (seriously—some ferns can live to be 100 years old!).
Are ferns good for bedrooms?
Ferns are probably the best known and most common type of indoor plants, probably because ferns are hearty and very easy to take care of. … Aside from its gorgeous arching fronds, this plant can help filter out formaldehyde from the air.
Can Boston ferns grow in low light?
Boston ferns do best in bright, indirect light. Too much shade can result in sparse fronds that aren’t their typical bright color. And too much sun can burn the fronds. So both outdoors and indoors, make sure direct sunlight won’t hit your plant.
What does an overwatered fern look like?
The first sign that a fern is overwatered is usually yellowing or wilted leaves. … The weight of the pot is another indication that a fern needs water. If the soil is dry, the pot will feel very light. Hold off watering for a few days, then test the soil again.
How can I make my ferns grow bigger?
- Repot the ferns into large planters or hanging baskets. The ferns we buy always come in the plastic hanging baskets. …
- Fertilize. Ferns don’t require much fertilizer… …
- Water frequently, but water the right way. …
- Cut off any brown fronds. …
- Choose the right light. …
- Rotate occasionally. …
- Don’t toss the metal basket!
Why is my fern going brown?
You may see brown tips on garden ferns if the soil becomes too dry. When it feels dry to touch, water slowly and deeply. Stop watering when the water runs off instead of sinking into the soil. … If your fern has brown tips because the humidity is too low, it’s best to choose another plant for the location.
How do you make a fern greener?
Most ferns grow best in full or dappled shade. Adequate shade will produce lush, dark green foliage. We recommend 65% to 75% shade, depending on your location. (Less may be needed in the winter when the days are shorter.)
How do you keep a fern over winter?
- Trim the fern, removing the shoots at the outside of the pot and keeping only the most upright shoots in the middle. …
- Bring the fern inside and place it in a bright, sunny room where the temperature will stay between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. …
- Water the fern once a week.
Why is my fern curling up?
Curling fronds can be caused by a variety of different factors. … Too much water or low levels of humidity can cause the fronds on your fern to curl up, as can a number of different pests and diseases that can strike your plant. Ferns like shaded areas, so direct sunlight and too much heat can also cause them to suffer.
Why is my fern turning brown and crispy?
The tips of ferns turn brown due to underwatering. Ferns require the soil to be consistently moist, but not saturated. If the soil dries out between bouts of watering, the fern’s leaves turn brown and crispy at the tips due to a lack of moisture around the roots. Smaller pots dry out more quickly.
What is indirect sunlight?
What Is Indirect Sunlight? Indirect light is sunlight that either passes through a medium—a window shade or the leaves of a tree—or reflects off another surface before reaching a plant. Most indoor settings only provide indirect light.
Do I cut the brown leaves off my fern?
To improve their appearance, you should prune out any brown or yellow fronds from indoor ferns. Pruning out these dead fronds also improves airflow around the plant, which helps reduce fungal or mold problems. If you find your indoor fern’s fronds frequently die back, check the soil.
Can ferns survive morning sun?
The answer is yes! However, some soil amendments are required to have success. The key to growing ferns in sun is maintaining adequate soil moisture. … In southern gardens, the midday sun is probably still too intense, but as long as the ferns are shaded midday, they can tolerate morning and late afternoon sun.
How long do ferns live for?
Lifespan of fern depends on the species. Some types of ferns can live up to 100 years.
Which plant is good for bedroom?
Aloe Vera. Another plant listed on NASA’s top air-purifying plants, Aloe Vera releases oxygen at night making it perfect for your sleep environment. It is also one of the easiest plants to care for, because it can tolerate neglect — meaning you can go three weeks without watering it and it will be OK.
What plants are good for a toilet?
- Bird’s Nest Fern. Add a touch of nature to your bathroom with the help of bird’s nest fern. …
- Pothos. …
- Tillandsia / Air Plant. …
- Aloe Vera. …
- Staghorn Fern. …
- Calathea “Freddie” …
- Chinese Evergreen. …
- Gardenia.