Indoor plants have become incredibly popular in Australia, where many of us are now living in densely populated urban environments, and it’s hard to find homes with a backyard or nearby green space. Known for their many health and wellbeing benefits, as well as being able to instantly make a space feel more stylish, houseplants reconnect our homes to the great outdoors, and bring a little bit of nature into our modern, tech-driven lives.
Like any trend, some indoor plants are more popular than others, and while the fiddle leaf fig has certainly had its time in the lime-light, it’s time to welcome a new player to the indoor plant game: ferns.
Why are ferns the next big indoor plant trend?
Australians love a good coastal or tropical vibe, and the fern fits perfectly into those themes. Thanks to the growing popularity of indoor plants, many urban gardeners now feel confident enough to tackle bigger, better plants, and a fern is the place to start. They’re lush, green and will work well as a statement feature plant indoors and out.
Australian gardening community About the Garden suggest Maidenhair, Boston, and Silver lady ferns for indoors. However, the Australian National Herbarium recommends using native fern species such as Maidenhair, Bird’s Nest, Rock, and King ferns for cool climate outdoor growing.
How to care for your fern when it’s an indoor plant
Generally speaking, ferns are low-maintenance and hardy, but they do require a little effort if you want it to grow large and luscious.
- Ferns require shade and ambient light
- Ferns love humidity so ensure the air has high moisture levels indoors. Try placing your plants on a tray full of water so it can absorb it as needed. Mist your fern as needed.
- Ferns are tropical, and will do well indoors provided the temperature around the plant sits steadily at around 20 degrees.
- Ferns love being in a bathroom with a window, where they can get air, sunlight and humidity.
- Ferns like prefer moist soil, so ensure the plants’ soil is always damp, but never soaking wet. A small amount of water on a daily basis should do the trick.
- Transfer your fern to a larger pot each year as it grows.
How to style your indoor plants
In 2019, the theme for indoor plants is ‘bigger is better’. Choose mature plants that already stand a metre or more tall for maximum impact in your home, and look for rich shades of green, luscious leaves and thick foliage so your greenery doesn’t look sparse.
Grouping indoor plants together is a wonderful way to create a green focal point in a room. Plants can even function as a source of colour in a home with a neutral colour scheme. Group plants with different coloured leaves together and place them in an obvious place, then draw upon the colour of the leaves to inform the colours of your cushions, throws and decorative items.
Another trend for indoor plants in 2019 is to mix up how your plants are displayed. Use different coloured pots in different sizes, play with scale by using plant stands, bookshelves and existing shelving, and hand indoor plants from the ceiling with macramé hangers.
Try these indoor plants styling ideas with your fern.
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