Ferns are among the oldest plant families on Earth — 360+ million years old — and remain the best plants for humid bathrooms, shaded rooms, and north-facing garden borders. Our fern collection includes indoor favourites like Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum) and Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), and hardy outdoor species including Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica) and Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), all available with delivery across Europe.

Best Indoor Ferns for Bathrooms and Low Light

The best indoor ferns for bathrooms and humid spaces are Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum), Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), and Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum). All three absorb humidity directly through their fronds, making them ideal for bathrooms where they thrive without any misting. Bird's Nest Fern is the most tolerant of dry air and irregular watering — the best beginner fern.

Hardy Outdoor Ferns for Shaded Gardens

• Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) — fully hardy, semi-evergreen, grows 90–120cm; ideal for deep shade under trees
• Hart's Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) — evergreen, bright glossy fronds; perfect for dry shade and limestone gardens
• Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica) — prehistoric appearance; grows 2–5m; needs winter protection in colder regions
• Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) — new growth is copper-red; semi-evergreen; tolerates sun if kept moist

How to Keep Ferns Healthy Indoors

Ferns need two things above all: humidity (50%+) and consistently moist (not wet) compost. In centrally heated homes, place pots on a pebble tray filled with water to increase local humidity. Do not let ferns dry out completely — unlike succulents, they cannot recover from severe wilting. Feed monthly with a diluted liquid fertiliser from spring to autumn.

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