17+ Types of Ferns to Add Texture to Your Space
If you’re looking to add softness, texture, and natural elegance to your home or garden, ferns are the way to go. These lush, leafy plants come in all shapes and sizes — from delicate fronds to bold architectural foliage — and can thrive in everything from bathrooms to shaded patios. Whether you’re decorating indoors or creating a shaded outdoor nook, these 17+ stunning fern varieties will give your space that wild, lived-in, botanical feel.
1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
A classic hanging plant with cascading, feathery fronds. Loves humidity and indirect light — perfect for bathrooms or porches.
2. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
With broad, ruffled leaves that grow in a rosette shape, this fern adds a modern, sculptural vibe to your space.
3. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)
Delicate, lacy foliage on black wiry stems — this fern is elegant and feminine but needs consistent moisture to thrive.
4. Kimberly Queen Fern
Similar to the Boston fern but more upright and tidy, the Kimberly Queen is great for containers and less prone to shedding.
5. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium spp.)
This unique fern has antler-like fronds and can be mounted on wood for a bold wall display. A real conversation piece!
6. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus)
Not a true fern, but has soft, airy foliage and a trailing habit — great for hanging baskets or tabletop planters.
7. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)
Silver, purple, and green tones make this a standout in shaded gardens or mixed indoor arrangements.
8. Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum)
Soft, blue-green leaves and a wavy texture give this fern a cool, contemporary look. Also more forgiving than most ferns.
9. Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)
Small, round leaves grow along a thin stem — compact and great for desks, shelves, or small pots.
10. Crocodile Fern (Microsorum musifolium)
With bold leaves and a leathery, ridged texture resembling crocodile skin, this fern adds major visual interest indoors.
11. Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’)
A dwarf variety with tiny rounded fronds and a slight lemony scent. Great for terrariums or small containers.
12. Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis)
Named for its furry rhizomes that creep over the soil or pot edges. Unique and whimsical — perfect for hanging displays.
13. Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)
Long, undivided fronds with a tongue-like shape — this fern has a bold, simple look and does well in moist, shaded areas.
14. Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)
With shiny, holly-shaped fronds, this fern is tougher than most and can handle drier indoor conditions.
15. Silver Lace Fern (Pteris ensiformis)
Elegant green-and-silver foliage with fine, lacy detail. Adds instant texture to indoor plant displays.
16. Rosy Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum hispidulum)
This unique variety has a pinkish tint to new growth and thrives in warm, humid spots with soft light.
17. Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum)
An evergreen fern with thick, shiny fronds and a fountain-like growth pattern — ideal for shaded garden beds or large pots.
18. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
Named for its evergreen nature during the holidays, this fern adds deep green color and structured fronds year-round.
Conclusion
Ferns are the ultimate foliage plant for anyone wanting to create soft, natural, and richly layered spaces. These 17+ fern varieties are perfect for filling in corners, adding texture to minimal decor, or creating a calming jungle retreat indoors or out. From low-light lovers to bold architectural types, there’s a fern here for every style.
