Ferns are fascinating plants that grow in many parts of the world. With their unique leaves and prehistoric roots, they capture the interest of both seasoned gardeners and curious beginners. By discovering the names and features of different types of ferns, you can expand your vocabulary while making learning English more engaging and enjoyable.
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Types of Ferns
A fern is a type of plant that reproduces through spores – unlike most plants which often need either flowers or seeds to reproduce. This makes ferns unique compared to any other type of plant that is grown and the shapes and sizes that they can grow into really can vary from anything you might ever have seen. Most ferns can be identified by their distinctive look as opposed to anything else, most novice gardeners can separate a fern these days.
Types of Indoor Ferns
Grey Ghost Fern
The Grey Ghost is an indoor fern that thrives under partial or complete shade, it can be kept well out of sunlight and can grow to 2 or 3 feet in height.
Hart’s Tongue Fern
A more exotic-looking fern that also thrives with either partial or complete shade. They are a little smaller than the Grey Ghost and only grow to about 1 or 2 feet in height.
Staghorn Fern
This fern can technically be grown indoors and outdoors, but it is a tricky one. If you want to grow it indoors, you need to supply it with bright light often to allow it to grow to its full potential. However, if you grow it outdoors, you need to make sure it stays out of direct sunlight or it will end up having its leaves burned. The Staghorn tends to reach 3 feet.
Delta Maidenhair
Another fern that can be grown outdoors, but should be kept out of direct sunlight. It is much better grown indoors, kept away from sunlight. These ferns can be anywhere between 1 or 2 feet high.
Hen and Chickens Fern
Hen and Chickens ferns thrive in partial shade indoors. They start small and adorable but can grow to a rather formidable size of 3 to 4 feet.
Types of Outdoor Ferns
Eagle Fern
The first of the outdoor ferns, the Eagle Fern needs to be kept in direct sunlight to flourish. It can do just as well in part shade, but it’s recommended to allow it to soak in the full force of the sun. It can grow to 4 feet tall, but in some cases, it’s been seen to even reach 6 feet!
Giant Wood Fern
While the Giant Wood Fern thrives outdoors, it’s still a good idea to keep it under a little bit of shade to watch it thrive. They can grow to 3 or 4 feet tall.
Australian Tree Fern
This fern requires the full sun to make sure it grows into a healthy plant. It’s a pretty spectacular size when fully grown so it is often recommended to grow it near trees to fit it into your outdoor space nicely. They can reach 30 feet in height, but most tend to stop around the 15 feet mark.
List of Ferns Names
- Boston Fern
- Maidenhair Fern
- Bird’s Nest Fern
- Staghorn Fern
- Sword Fern
- Lady Fern
- Ostrich Fern
- Cinnamon Fern
- Royal Fern
- Christmas Fern
- Button Fern
- Kangaroo Paw Fern
- Rabbit’s Foot Fern
- Blue Star Fern
- Holly Fern
- Asparagus Fern – not a true fern
- Lemon Button Fern
- Silver Lace Fern
- Heart Fern
- Cretan Brake Fern
- Australian Tree Fern
- New Zealand Tree Fern
- Soft Tree Fern
- Rough Tree Fern
- Hawaiian Tree Fern
- Crocodile Fern
- Bird’s Foot Fern
- Brake Fern
- Climbing Fern
- Peacock Fern – fern-like spikemoss
- Rosy Maidenhair Fern
- Triangular Fern
- Whisk Fern
- Micronesian Tree Fern
- Weeping Tree Fern
- Bracken Fern
- Eagle Fern (another name for Bracken Fern)
- Marginal Wood Fern
- Giant Wood Fern
- Golden Male Fern
- Alpine Wood Fern
- Hay-scented Fern
- Marsh Fern
- Sensitive Fern
- Netted Chain Fern
- Grey Ghost Fern
- Hart’s Tongue Fern
- Delta Maidenhair Fern
- Hen and Chickens Fern
- Japanese Painted Fern
- Ghost Fern
- Silver Fern – symbol of New Zealand
- Oak Fern
- Crested Fern
- Shaggy Shield Fern
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