Ferns are some of the oldest plant species in the world and can grow in an astonishing array of environments. They are valued for their interesting foliage and varying frond types that range in appearance from delicate to dramatic. However, there are a couple of species that are more adaptable to the indoor environment-
Birds Nest Fern- Asplenium nidus
The attractive fronds on this species coil tightly in the centre prior to opening, resembling a nest. The fronds are spear like in shape and are often quite shiny with a wavy outer and brown mid rib running through the centre of the frond.
Boston Fern – Nephrolepis exaltata
The many arching fronds of this fern make it ideal for hanging baskets. It has a feathery appearance with small leaves covering a tough leaf stalk.
Ferns are commonly displayed as a table or desk top feature plant. They can be grouped together and placed in troughs, or used as feature plant in freestanding pots. It can also be used in green walls.
Light requirements:
Areas with high amounts of natural light available, but will tolerate areas with medium amounts of natural light.
Pot size availability:
140mm, 200mm, 250mm
Epipremnum aureum
It’s an attractive climbing evergreen vine that’s endemic to the warmer and more humid parts of the world such as Asia, Northern Australia and the Pacific. The plants climb and adhere to surfaces using aerial roots, however for indoor use, can be grown on totems or used in pots to give a cascading appearance. It’s usually selected for its variegated light green foliage.
Bromeliads
These interesting and beautiful foliage plants come from the tropical America’s and grow in a natural rosette form with strappy leaves around a central “cup”. Bromeliad species can vary dramatically and come in many different leaf shapes (most commonly wide leaves are used indoors) and can have long lasting showy flower displays that provide an exotic touch to any indoor environment. The flower colour and form will vary widely amongst each variety.
Rhapis excelsa
This is a lovely clumping palm which is also very popular around the world. Large, thick, fan like leaves with blunt tips sit on top of thin trunks that form in a dense clump, giving the plant a nice thick appearance. These thin trunks are covered in a coarse, dark brown fibre which contrasts beautifully with the dark green foliage.
Palms are an extremely versatile group of plants, mostly originating throughout the tropical regions of the world, they can easily add a decorative or architectural element to an indoor space. They can create a lush tropical look with their evergreen feathery foliage.
