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Types of Fern

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Last updated date: 17th Apr 2024
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What is a Fern?

Ferns are green, flowerless plants. They are typically simple to identify because of the frond-like form of their leaves. Rather than using seeds to proliferate, ferns use spores. Asparagus ferns are an example of a plant that has the name "fern," although it is not a real fern.


Fern Plants Variety

There are more than 20,000 identified species of ferns. Numerous fern species thrive both outside and indoors. Indoor ferns flourish in bright light as long as they are not put in the path of direct sunlight, whereas outdoor ferns thrive best in somewhat shaded regions. Even the most inexperienced gardeners may successfully cultivate ferns since they seldom contract illnesses or have insect infestations.


Here are a Few Pictures of Different Types of Ferns:

Different Fern Varieties


Different Fern Varieties


Java Fern

  • Certainly one of the greatest aquatic plants for the hobby of keeping aquariums is the Java fern (Microsorum Pteropus). It thrives in a variety of environments, is simple to grow, and is resilient (both freshwater and brackish).

  • This plant looks gorgeous and is perfect for enhancing home aquariums. It gets along well with many different fish species.

  • The Java fern is a kind of very variable plant with several geographically distinct subspecies that may be identified by their distinctive leaf sizes and forms. 

  • The Java fern plant has several types, and each one is distinguished by unique leaf forms.  The different types of java fern include Narrow Leaf, Needle Leaf, Trident, and Windle.


Java Fern


Java Fern


Different Types of Fern Plants

Green fern fronds look lovely, particularly in hanging baskets. This might be a fantastic place to begin gardening. The best varieties of fern plants to grow are listed below.


Indoor Ferns

Indoor ferns are particularly well-suited to hanging from ceiling hooks in dark, obscure spaces with plenty of light. The types of indoor fern plants are:

  • Boston Fern: They feature dark green leaves with several, uniformly spaced deep indentations.

  • Holly Ferns: This kind of fern is water, heat, and light resistant with three to four-inch dark green leaves that mimic those on holly bushes.

  • Maidenhair Ferns: This unusual plant is one of the most delicate varieties of indoor ferns, with slender, black stems and tiny, delicate leaves.


Boston Fern


Boston Fern


Outdoor Ferns

Large, striking outdoor ferns provide porches, decks, and terraces with personality and charm.

  • Ostrich Ferns: With fronds that frequently reach a length of five feet, this is one of the tallest and most impressive outdoor fern species.

  • Japanese Ferns: This fern's tapering fronds only reach a maximum length of 18 inches, and they have lovely purple and silver mixtures.

  • Australian Tree Fern: As its name suggests, this plant is truly a tree that typically reaches heights of approximately 30 feet, with fronds that measure 8 feet in length and stems that are around 6 inches in circumference.


Australian Tree Fern


Australian Tree Fern


Points to Remember   

  • There are indoor and outdoor varieties of ferns, which are among the planet's oldest surviving plants.

  • These typically have fronds (leaves) that flow and drape, giving a garden or indoor environment a dramatic touch.

  • The Java Fern is a great complement to the freshwater aquarium with plants.


Do It Yourself

1. What are fronds?

A.The "stem" of the ferns. 

B.The "leaves" of the fern.

2. Which of the following do ferns make to aid in reproduction?

A.Seeds

B.Spores

C.Rhizomes

D.Fronds 


Sample Questions

1.The leaves of ferns are called_________.

Ans: The stem of a fern leaf is known as the stipe or petiole, and the leaves are sometimes referred to as fronds.

Hence, the leaves of ferns are called fronds.


2. Ferns reproduce using ____.

Ans: Ferns sexually reproduce via spores rather than through flowers.

Hence, ferns reproduce using spores.


Summary

Any of the about 10,000–15,000 species of non-flowering vascular plants (class Polypodiopsida) with real roots, stems, and complex leaves that reproduce via spores. Ferns may be found in a broad range of forms and sizes. Many are tiny, delicate plants, while others resemble trees. Ferns are frequently used by people as garden and home decor. Ferns are consumed by animals like deer, and some birds utilise them as nest linings.

FAQs on Types of Fern

1. How many types of ferns are there?

There is sure to be at least one fern that will look beautiful in your home gardens, workplaces, patios, or even living rooms given that there are over 10,500 distinct kinds of ferns known to exist.

2. How long does a fern tree live?

The plant will often recover as long as the growth point in the trunk's core is unharmed. Tree ferns have a lifespan of 40–150 years.

3. When will fern trees be fully grown?

True fern fronds should appear from a July seeding by winter, but an autumn sowing could not appear until the following spring. The baby ferns will be big enough to plant outside in the garden after one to two years.