- How to choose the right ferns and foliage plants for your space
- Differences between fern varieties and foliage plant types
- Best practices for lighting, humidity, and watering
- Soil, pots, and re-potting tips
- Daily, weekly, and seasonal care routines
- Top recommended species for homes and offices
Introduction
Ferns and foliage plants are becoming a staple in homes and modern offices, offering more than just aesthetic greenery. These plants enhance indoor air quality, boost mood, and breathe life into sterile or stagnant spaces. From rustic Boston Ferns to elegant Calatheas, there’s something for every vibe and corner.
Beyond their visual appeal, many of these green friends are low-maintenance and well-suited to indoor environments. They are particularly beneficial in office settings where natural light may be limited. If you’re still choosing the best houseplant for your space, check out our houseplant selection guide.
While beginner-friendly, not all ferns and foliage plants have the same care needs. In this post, you’ll learn how to choose and care for indoor greens to match your lighting, humidity, and time management.
Overview of Ferns and Foliage Plant Groups
What are Ferns?
Ferns are among the oldest plant species on Earth, with a unique biology that sets them apart. Unlike flowering plants, ferns reproduce via spores, not seeds. Their fronds (leaf-like structures) unwind gracefully in a “fiddlehead” fashion as they grow.
Popular fern varieties include:
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
- Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
- Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)
What are Foliage Plants?
Foliage plants are grown mainly for their beautiful, textured, or colorful leaves. These plants vary widely in size, color patterns, and care requirements.
Popular types of foliage plants:
- Calathea: Vibrant patterns but sensitive to humidity
- Philodendron: Easy-growing and versatile leaf shapes
- Sansevieria (Snake Plant): Extremely hardy and air-purifying
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Trailing, fast-growing
- Arrowhead (Syngonium): Attractive arrow-shaped leaves
Key Differences and Similarities
| Feature | Ferns | Foliage Plants |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Needs | High humidity, frequent watering | Varies – from drought-tolerant to moisture-loving |
| Light Preference | Filtered or indirect light | Species-dependent; some tolerate low light |
| Size Potential | Usually small to medium | Can range from tabletop to large floor plants |
Light & Moisture Needs
Understanding Light Levels
Before choosing plants, assess the natural light in your home or workspace. Observe which windows get sunlight, and at what times of day.
- Indirect light: The area is lit but not directly by the sun
- Filtered light: Light diffused through curtains or other barriers
- Low light: Rooms with few or no windows, north-facing walls
Ferns: Thrive in indirect or filtered light. Avoid direct sun as it scorches the fronds.
Foliage Plants: Wide range. For example, Snake Plants and ZZ Plants excel in low light, whereas Calatheas need brighter indirect light.
Humidity and Watering Routines
Ferns usually require a humid environment. Foliage plants have more variety, but tropical types like Calathea also need extra moisture.
Helpful tools to maintain humidity include:
- Humidity trays or pebble trays
- Regular misting
- Room humidifiers
| Plant Type | Humidity Level | Water Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Fern | High | Keep soil consistently moist |
| Snake Plant | Low to Medium | Every 2–3 weeks |
| Calathea | High | Moist but not soggy; water weekly |
Soil & Potting
Best Soil Types
- Ferns: Prefer a peat-based mix with good aeration and water retention.
- Foliage Plants: Need species-specific blends. For example, well-draining soil for Philodendron, and more moisture-retentive medium for Calathea.
Choosing the Right Pots
Use breathable materials like terracotta for ferns to help regulate soil moisture. Drainage is non-negotiable — always use pots with holes at the bottom.
When choosing pot size:
- Select a pot 1–2 inches larger than the root ball
- Avoid overpotting to prevent root rot
When to Re-pot
Watch for the following signs that your plant needs re-potting:
- Roots growing out of the pot’s bottom
- Water runs through too quickly (soil too compacted)
- Noticeably slowed growth or no new leaves
Care Routine: Daily, Weekly, Seasonal Tips
Daily & Weekly Tasks
- Check soil moisture using finger test or moisture meter
- Mist tropical plants if humidity is low
- Remove any yellowing or dried-out leaves
Monthly Care
- Fertilize during spring and summer with diluted plant food
- Rotate pots a quarter turn to maintain balanced growth
Seasonal Changes
- Winter: Reduce watering; move plants away from cold drafts and heaters
- Summer: Monitor soil daily; increase humidity if needed
Recommended Species for Homes and Offices
Beginner-Friendly Ferns
- Boston Fern: Classic texture, tolerant of trimming, great in hanging planters
- Bird’s Nest Fern: Wide, wavy fronds and less fussy about moisture
Low-Maintenance Foliage Plants
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Nearly indestructible and elegantly upright
- ZZ Plant: Thrives on neglect, ideal for low-light offices
- Pothos: Fast grower and great for beginners
- Philodendron Brasil: Vivid variegated leaves with trailing vines
For the More Adventurous
- Maidenhair Fern: Gorgeous but very sensitive to dryness
- Calathea/Maranta: Striking foliage that moves with light levels (prayer plants) but demand high humidity and consistent watering
Conclusion
With the right setup, ferns and foliage plants can bring vitality and freshness to your home or workspace. The key is to match the plant’s needs to your environment and care habits.
Whether it’s a lush Boston Fern in your lobby or a sturdy Snake Plant by your window, these greens offer meaningful benefits with a little TLC. For more help choosing the right plant, head over to our guide on houseplant types and selection.
Do you have a favorite foliage plant in your home or office? Share your stories and tips with us on social!
How to Build This in Make.com
Want to automate fern and foliage plant care reminders and rotation prompts? Here’s how to build that in Make.com:
- Trigger: Choose a scheduling module (e.g., every Monday)
- Action: Add a Google Calendar event titled “Check plant moisture + mist Boston Fern”
- Action: Add another event for fertilizing once per month using a filter by date
- Action: Send Slack/email reminders to yourself or your team
- Optional: Use a Webhook with a plant diary app to log care activity
This automation helps ensure your plants thrive without needing daily attention.
