Are you frond of ferns? Ideal for beginner gardeners, ferns are low-maintenance and one the easiest ways to add instant color and texture to your space. Turn your Texas home and garden into a fern-tastic display with the cool greenery and graceful elegance of ferns!
Creating your Fern Garden
Ferns are an extremely versatile indoor and outdoor plant. In fact, there are many different fern varieties and species grown around the world. They are naturally found on forest floors, speckled by the filtered rays of sun through the foliage.
Ferns thrive in Texas because of our warm climate and humid conditions, they are commonly displayed on our summer patios or as year-long décor in our homes. They are a standout plant that provides an instant visual impact, and they grow easily inside or outdoors with a rewarding lush beauty all year long.
Growing them on patios or indoors is ideal because understanding fern light requirements is important. They prefer bright, filtered light throughout the day as direct sun exposure can be too harsh for the delicate fronds.
Fern uses go beyond visual beauty. They can also help purify the air in your home and improve your mental well-being.
Choosing the Right Fern Species
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we have a vast collection of fantastic fern varieties available. When creating your fern garden, the choice is up to you. Here are a few recommendations for your inspiration!
KIMBERLY QUEEN FERN
Kimberly Queens are one of the best indoor ferns around. They are known for their large, gracefully arching, sword-shaped fronds and are commonly displayed as hanging baskets. Did you know Kimberly Queen Ferns originated from Australia? It was named after the region of Kimberley.
Kimberly Queen Ferns are easy to grow indoors and will always make a big statement in outdoor spaces. Pair your plant with stylish pottery or adorn it with a coco-lined hanging basket for an extra touch of natural beauty.
ASPARAGUS FERNS
For unique texture and visual interest, try Asparagus Ferns! The bright green color complements the feathery foliage for a soft, lace-like look. While they are not technically ferns, this attractive plant is a great choice for an easy-to-grow houseplant, and it will blend in well with your plant collection.
Native to South Africa, Asparagus Ferns are fast-growing and thrive in warmth and humidity. This fern variety can be moved to your patio during the warmer months and moved indoors during the winter.
MAIDENHAIR FERNS
Maidenhair Ferns are favored for their delicate, fan-shaped leaves. They are part of the Adiantum genus which includes over 200 different fern varieties. The genus name comes from the Greek word “adiantos”, meaning “unwetted”, because of how the fronds repel moisture.
Maidenhair Ferns are slow-growing and can take up to 3 years before they reach their mature size. They love humidity and are a great choice for displaying in bathrooms for a natural accent.
BOSTON FERNS
Boston Fern is another Texas favorite, and it is commonly called Sword Fern for its sword-shaped fronds. It is a low-maintenance plant that provides beautiful green foliage to liven up any space! They can be used in hanging baskets, in planters, on shaded patios, or in well-lit rooms indoors.
Boston Ferns are slow-growing plants that are always appreciative of a little TLC. Stable growing conditions are key for the health of this plant, so display it in an area where there aren’t many extreme fluctuations like drafts from air conditioners or heating vents.
Planting Ferns in Texas
When planting ferns in Texas, the hardiness zone should be considered a crucial factor in the equation, and selecting a suitable planting location will greatly impact your gardening success. In DFW, ferns perform best in containers. In warmer zones like Austin and Houston, you can have success growing many of these fern varieties as outdoor perennials in your flowerbeds.
Planting ferns from nursery pots to containers will allow you to have better control of soil moisture and sun exposure. Your plants will always look stylish in fabulous pottery, and it allows you the flexibility of moving your plants with ease when it gets cooler.
Ferns need well-draining potting soils that are rich in organic matter. Try Calloway’s Organic Container Potting Soil to provide the essential organic ingredients and soil conditions that ferns need to establish strong roots and maintain healthy growth.
For our friends down in South Texas, zones 9-11 are ideal for planting ferns in your flowerbeds. Use soil that is rich in organic matter like Calloway’s Premium Organic Compost. Ferns consistently need moist soil conditions, and they should be planted in a location with good drainage. Pick a shady location that receives dappled sun throughout the day.
How to Care for Ferns
Fern watering is more frequent than other plants. Moisture is vital and so is drainage! Choose a container with a drain hole to avoid standing water and water regularly. When the top inch feels dry, it is time to water again. You can mist your plants between waterings to help maintain humidity.
Fertilizing ferns effectively will keep your plants beautiful and thriving. Feed as directed with Calloway’s Premium Tropical Plant Food to encourage healthy growth and green foliage.
Shop with Ease
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we have everything you need to start your fern garden!
Go fern it! Visit us today and explore our entire collection of fantastic ferns, stylish pottery, potting soils, and so much more! Shop one of our 28 neighborhood stores, serving our loyal customers for over 35 years.
Have questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals; they are here to help!
