Growing ferns indoors in the UK
Ferns are old. Properly old, as in hundreds of millions of years. They're also some of the best houseplants for rooms that don't get much light. They naturally grow on woodland floors in dappled shade, so a north-facing room that would kill most other plants is actually fine for a fern.
We've got 17 fern care guides covering everything from the Boston Fern to the Staghorn Fern, all written for UK growing conditions.
What makes ferns different
Ferns don't flower. They reproduce via spores, and those small brown dots on the undersides of the fronds are sporangia, not pests. We get asked about that a lot. The range of frond shapes is huge, from the lacy Maidenhair Fern to the broad, glossy leaves of a Bird's Nest Fern.
The thing all ferns have in common is they want moisture. Damp compost (not waterlogged) and, importantly, humid air around their leaves. That second part is where it gets tricky in British homes.
Managing humidity in British homes
Central heating drops indoor humidity to 20-30% from October through March. Ferns want 50-80%. That's a big gap. The most effective fix is grouping your ferns together, because each plant transpires moisture and collectively they create a more humid pocket. Pebble trays help too, and bathrooms or kitchens are genuinely good spots.
Misting gets recommended everywhere, but honestly it only helps for about twenty minutes. If you're serious about ferns, a small humidifier near the collection is worth the investment. Come summer, when windows are open and the air's naturally damper, ferns are much less hassle. For a broader look at which plants actually do well in high humidity, see our humidity-loving plants guide.
Light and positioning
Most ferns do well in bright indirect light but they'll tolerate lower levels too. North- or east-facing windows tend to work best. Keep them out of direct afternoon sun, which scorches the fronds. In winter, you can move them closer to the window to catch more of the limited daylight without worrying about sunburn.
Not sure which fern to go for? The Boston Fern vs Maidenhair Fern comparison covers the key differences and which one suits your conditions better.
Care guides in this category
- Bird's Nest Fern — pet safe, difficulty 2/5
- Blue Star Fern — pet safe, difficulty 2/5
- Boston Fern — pet safe, difficulty 3/5
- Maidenhair Fern — pet safe, difficulty 4/5
- Staghorn Fern — pet safe, difficulty 3/5