Due to the very decorative and year-round green fronds, so-called indoor ferns are becoming increasingly popular as indoor plants (especially for the rather damp and not so bright bathroom). This is only a rather pragmatic assignment, as there are actually a large number of different types of ferns from tropical areas around the world in specialist shops.

There are many different types of house ferns

The need for correct species identification

Basically, many indoor ferns are relatively similar in terms of location and care needs. As long as ferns are not exposed to direct sunlight and are sufficiently (but not excessively) supplied with low-lime water, nothing stands in the way of healthy growth of the magnificent fern fronds. Even so, aside from personal interest, it can be important to pinpoint the exact species of an indoor fern. Here's how you can find out in relation to specific types of ferns:

  • how the plants in question can be propagated
  • which factors to consider when fertilizing or pruning
  • how toxic a particular house fern actually is

Difficulties in determining and rough differentiation criteria

One difficulty in identifying a specific species is that there are many similar subspecies within the various botanical fern families that are difficult to distinguish visually. Nevertheless, there are also rough criteria with which even the untrained eye can at least make an approximate classification. There are serious differences with regard to the basic growth habit: While epiphytic ferns such as the staghorn fern only need a rough surface to "stick", ferns such as the stag's tongue fern form a rhizome and should therefore be planted in a sufficiently deep pot.

Various factors in determining the exact species of fern

The different types of indoor ferns can best be identified by the shape of the leaves, also known as fronds. These come in all conceivable variants: stalked, sessile, lanceolate, pinnate or segmented in particularly small parts. In addition, some fern species form spores in particularly characteristic colors. Last but not least, an important distinguishing feature is the size, since the spectrum of indoor ferns ranges from about 10 cm long to 1 m long fronds.

tips

You make it easier for yourself to take care of your room fern if you buy it from a specialist shop with an exact variety designation and the corresponding care instructions. There are also types of indoor ferns that are more than demanding when it comes to care. If there is any doubt about the toxicity of a specimen, the spores should not be inhaled and children and pets should be kept away from the plants.

Category:

Indoor plants