Ferns are among the oldest plant species on Earth, offering a unique texture and lush green aesthetic that makes them popular indoor houseplants. Choosing the right fern and knowing where to purchase it are the first steps toward a successful long-term relationship. This guide focuses on the buying process, helping you match a fern variety to your specific living conditions and navigate retail options. It also covers how to conduct a thorough inspection before selection to ensure you bring home a specimen that will thrive.
Matching Fern Variety to Your Home Environment
A flourishing indoor fern requires accurately assessing the light and humidity levels in your home before shopping. Most ferns are native to tropical or subtropical regions, preferring high moisture and filtered sunlight. Your home’s existing conditions determine which species is best suited to your care.
The classic Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) thrives in bright, indirect light and demands high humidity, ideally 50% or more, to prevent frond tips from browning. The Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.) is highly demanding, requiring consistently moist soil and very high humidity. This delicate choice is best placed near a bathroom or kitchen, as its lacy leaves quickly crisp up if the air is too dry.
A more forgiving option is the Staghorn Fern (Platycerium), an epiphyte that naturally grows on other objects. This variety prefers medium, indirect light and is more tolerant of drier household air than the Boston or Maidenhair ferns. The Kangaroo Paw Fern (Microsorum diversifolium) also tolerates medium humidity and features leathery, glossy fronds. Matching a fern to your available light, temperature, and humidity levels is the foundation of a successful purchase.
Retail Sources for Purchasing Ferns
The source of your new fern influences its initial health, the variety available, and the expert advice you receive. Selecting a retailer depends on your priorities, including cost, convenience, or access to specialized species.
Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
Local nurseries and independent garden centers are the best places to find unique or less common fern varieties, such as specialized epiphytes. These establishments typically have experienced staff who offer tailored advice on care and environmental matching. Plants purchased here often receive attentive care, reducing the risk of bringing home a specimen stressed by neglect or pests. Although prices may be higher, the quality and personalized support often justify the investment.
Mass Market Retailers
Mass market retailers and large home improvement stores offer the greatest convenience and the lowest price point for common varieties like the standard Boston Fern. Inventory turns over quickly, so you can often find recently delivered plants in good condition. However, plant care standards can be inconsistent, and staff expertise is often limited. Buyers must be vigilant during selection, but these locations are best for budget-conscious buyers seeking common, robust species.
Online Specialty Vendors
For rare or highly specialized ferns, online specialty vendors are the primary source. These companies often ship directly from a greenhouse environment, offering species impossible to find locally. The main consideration is the stress of shipping, which can temporarily impact a fern, and the need to unpack the plant immediately upon arrival. Researching a vendor’s shipping methods and temperature control practices is advisable to ensure the plant survives transit.
Essential Tips for Selecting a Healthy Plant
Regardless of the retail source, a careful, hands-on inspection is necessary to ensure you purchase a healthy specimen. Begin by visually scanning the foliage for a uniform, vibrant green color appropriate for the species. Avoid plants with widespread yellowing leaves, which indicate nutrient deficiency or root problems like rot from overwatering.
Examine the fronds closely for signs of pest activity, focusing on the undersides of the leaves and the junction where the frond meets the soil. Look for small, fine webbing, a sign of spider mites, or tiny, immobile bumps, which can be scale insects. A sticky residue or small, dark spots suggests an infestation of aphids or thrips feeding on the plant’s sap.
Inspect the soil surface for small, black, flying insects, often fungus gnats, which signal excessively wet soil. If possible, slide the fern out of its plastic pot to check the root system. Healthy roots should be firm and white or light tan, while brown, mushy, or foul-smelling roots indicate significant root rot. Confirm the plant is accurately identified with a label that includes the botanical name for verifying specific care requirements.