Ferns, a group of plants that have existed and continuously evolved for millennia, come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. These spore-producing flora can be found in various ecosystems all across the globe. While some can rival the height of medium-sized trees, with fronds that measure up to 10 feet (3 meters) long, others can possess a wealth of petite features! These dwarf species retain the complexity of their larger counterparts while taking up just a fraction of space.
Small and dwarf ferns are perfect for apartments, terrace gardens, yards with limited shade, and terraria. Species that grow to a mature maximum height of just 12 inches (30 cm) should fall under this category. There are “micro” ferns, as well, with fronds that measure just 1 – 2 inches (2.5 – 5 cm) long at most! Regardless of size, the presence of these ferns can dramatically enhance the appearance of a small area.
These shade-loving, dwarf ferns should help engineer the structure of microhabitats in rockeries and planters! As smaller ferns would invariably have miniature root systems anchoring them into the soil or on the surfaces of other organic materials, they often require protection from the elements. Keep in mind that those placed in small pots may need to be watered frequently as a low volume of substrate can dry out quickly.
1) Maidenhair spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes)
The maidenhair spleenwort is perfect for small spaces because it grows to a maximum height of just 11.8 inches (30 cm). In the wild, it favors the protection found within the sheltered zones of rocky habitats. Despite its widespread distribution, it can be quite rare. Nonetheless, this dwarf fern is remarkably hardy and is highly valued as an ornamental in cultivation. In fact, it is a recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
The fronds of the maidenhair spleenwort are lengthy, narrow, and tapered. These are composed of oppositely arranged pairs of pinnae. Each leaflet is rounded, dark green, and has smooth margins. This gives the petite fronds a fairly neat appearance. The appearance of the pinnae as well as their abundance along the length of a frond tend to be altered by pH and mineral levels. As a result, variances in rocky microhabitat conditions have led to the development of many subspecies.
2) Bublet fern (Cystopteris fragilis)
Also called the brittle bladder fern and fragile fern, the bublet fern thrives in limestone-rich gardens. Small yet tough, it is fairly easy to cultivate in shallow and rocky substrates. Full to partial shade is tolerated by well-established tufts, particularly in zones that receive ample moisture. Though this broadleaf species tends to be evergreen, it can enter a dormant stage when its roots are exposed to dry conditions.
A generous amount of rainfall should reawaken dormant bublet ferns and quickly lead to the production of new fronds. The compound fronds, which are composed of fleshy petioles and bipinnate leaflets, tend to reach a length of about 6 inches (15 cm). As the whole fern maintains a full height of just 10 – 12 inches (25 – 30 cm), it can be used to fill out small gaps in a shade garden.
3) Green spleenwort (Asplenium viride)
The green spleenwort looks quite similar to its close cousin, the maidenhair spleenwort, but is easily distinguished by the appearance of its rachis (the stem-like structure on which the pinnae are attached). Unlike the latter, which has dark rachides, this species has distinctly fleshy and green rachides. It has thus been named for this specific feature, but take note that there may be slight morphological variations among wild specimens as they can hybridize with other spleenworts.
The fronds of this lovely dwarf fern look especially beautiful and vibrant when they emerge from the dark gaps in between serpentine rocks. Calcareous conditions, coupled with partial to full shade, are necessary for optimal growth and spread rates. In moist and humid environments, the fronds expand to a maximum length of just 6 inches (15 cm).
4) Fragrant wood fern (Dryopteris fragrans)
Named for the fruity fragrance of its spritely and fresh fronds, the fragrant wood fern favors conditions in shaded cliffs and complex rock faces. Its feathery fronds can appear to effortlessly emerge from dark gaps and crevices, where its roots access minerals and nutrients from collected stormwaters and trapped debris. Limestone-rich and, consequently, high-pH conditions promote the growth of erect leaves.
A unique feature of this miniature fern is the persistent nature of its spent stems. Though they eventually become shriveled, the stems of older fronds tend to endure through to the next growth season. New, compound fronds can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, though some may maintain a full length of just 3 inches (7.6 cm). Each of these can possess up to 30 pairs of slightly overlapping pinnae, which are further subdivided into smaller pairs of pinnules.
5) Lemon button fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’)
The lemon button fern is an ideal cultivar for novice gardeners. Increasingly popular in cultivation due to its undisputedly cute and dainty features, its presence can add color and brighten up a small windowsill or corner of the home. It does not require much fertilizer to quickly produce new fronds, which are set apart by their tiny, button-shaped leaflets. Its wild form (N. cordifolia), in comparison, has lengthier leaflets.
The fronds of this dwarf cultivar are often compared to fishbones because their pinnules are slightly toothed and are alternately arranged along the length of a delicate rachis. When these are actively growing, they give off a gentle, lemon-like scent. On mature plants, the fronds may measure anywhere from 4 – 12 inches (10 – 30 cm) long. They require indirect or partial sunlight to elongate fully.
6) Fluffy ruffles fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Fluffy Ruffles’)
The ‘Fluffy Ruffles’ cultivar is the dwarf form of an extremely popular indoor fern – the Boston or sword fern. While its native counterpart grows to a few feet tall in optimal conditions, this miniature cultivar rarely grows to more than 12 inches (30 cm) tall. As its name suggests, its fronds have a highly textured and ruffle-like appearance. This is caused by the scalloped and wavy margins of their bright green pairs of pinnae.
This dwarf variety looks stunning in indoor pots because its fronds thrive best in protected conditions and under bright, filtered, or indirect light. A temperature range of 60 – 80˚F (15.6 – 26.7˚C), as well as humidity levels ranging from 60 – 90%, should help maintain the quality of the leaves and prevent them from succumbing to pests. Note that even well-established specimens of this species have a poor tolerance for dry conditions. The substrate should be kept evenly moist at all times.
7) Heart-leaf fern (Hemionitis arifolia)
Unlike the dwarf ferns listed above, the heart-leaf fern is starkly different due to its simple leaves. It’s easy to see why there has been a fair amount of doubt as to the taxonomic divisions of this plant. Quite rare in the wild, this tender and small fern has tough, almost succulent, leaves that are shaped like hearts. These fertile fronds are borne on fuzzy, black petioles that arise in an erect manner.
The sterile fronds, in contrast, arise in a rosette formation close to the crown of the plant. Their petioles top out at just 3.5 inches (9 cm), while those of the fertile leaves can measure as much as 12 inches (30 cm). In general, the fronds require high humidity conditions, such as that found within a well-maintained terrarium, to continuously produce new leaves. In the wild, this unique fern prefers to stay protected under the thick canopies of larger trees.
8) Dwarf maidenhair fern (Adiantum microphyllum)
Maidenhair ferns have gradually been gaining popularity as some of the most charming indoor plants because of their delicate yet highly textural appearance. Among Adiantum species, this dwarf maidenhair is truly special because it has the features of its larger counterparts yet maintains an easily manageable and compact full size. Its mature specimens rarely measure more than 12 inches (30 cm) tall, making them suitable as table companions or as terrarium centerpieces.
This beautiful dwarf fern has densely leafy fronds. These are made up of fan-shaped pinnae borne on black, wiry, and extremely delicate petioles and stems (up to just 3 mm in diameter). From a distance, the pinnae look small enough to be likened to green specks that appear suspended in the air. To prevent them from drying out or becoming scorched, make sure to situate this fern in bright, indirect light. Supplemented indoor humidity should help the fronds maintain their airy appearance.
9) Crispy wave fern (Asplenium nidus ‘Crispy Wave’)
The crispy wave fern is the dwarf variety of the bird’s nest fern, which can produce fronds of enormous sizes (up to 6 feet or 1.8 meters long) in the wild. Its fronds look identical to those of its larger counterpart, but they rarely grow to more than two feet (61 cm) long in optimal conditions.
As suggested by this variety’s common name, its fronds have a crisp appearance. Their margins are distinctly wavy, giving the illusion that the plant is in suspended motion. Simple and entire, the fronds tend to be bright green when placed in an area receiving indirect light and high humidity levels. Direct sun can cause the leaves to scorch or bleach. Moisture that pools in the crown of the plant, in the area from which new leaves arise, may also damage the appearance of the leaves.
10) Eyelash fern (Actiniopteris australis)
A. australis is just one of six tropical species in its genus of uniquely structured and highly textural ferns. Unlike the pinnae of your typical compound fern, those of this species are fine, almost threadlike, and extend radially from a single point at the top of each leaf stalk. Collectively, the leaflets form a fan-like frond plate, with tips that droop downwards. The fine morphology of the pinnae makes them resemble eyelashes.
This dwarf fern makes for a lovely addition to terrariums because it can be grown to look like a miniature palm tree. When grown in gardens, you can expect many critters to take shelter under the dappled shade of its delicate fronds. Due to its tolerance for markedly low sunlight levels, it can be grown in humid, indoor areas as a desk buddy or as a living ornament.
11) Mini Asian water fern (Bolbitis heteroclita ‘Difformis’)
As suggested by its common name, the mini Asian water fern is a dwarf species that can survive in submerged conditions. For this reason, it is often sold as an aquatic plant and marketed as a hydrophyte for aquarium setups. Although it has a remarkably high tolerance for submersion, it actually grows best in a closed terrarium or in a setup that prevents its rhizomes from remaining in water. Partial submersion can promote the development of rot and eventually cause this fern to die back.
Delicate yet versatile, the fronds of this water fern are divided into deeply forked pinnae. This species thrives best in high humidity and in substrates that are able to retain moisture. Ample drainage and indirect light should hasten its growth rate. Full submersion, in contrast, is likely to slow the development of new foliage.
If you’re interested in conducting your own home-based experiment, try growing this fern in two separate environments – one in an aquarium and another in a terrestrial setup. This should help you determine which conditions are most suitable for your fern!
12) Plumose oak fern (Gymnocarpium dryopteris ‘Plumosum’)
The ‘Plumosum’ variety of G. dryopteris grows to an easily manageable height and spread of just 9 – 12 inches (23 – 30 cm). Hardy to USDA zones 2 – 8, it is an ideal dwarf fern for the woodland borders of small cottage gardens. Due to its small size, it can be grown as a filler plant next to other shade-loving ornamentals like hostas and coral bells. Its highly textural appearance and tolerance for deep shade makes it suitable as a ground cover plant around the base of tall trees.
If your plumose oak fern is situated outdoors, its fronds will likely die back in fall. Come spring, new fronds should begin to appear and slowly fill out gaps in the garden. If you wish to maintain their plume-like appearance all throughout the year, consider growing this plant indoors. In high humidity conditions, this recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit can prove to be exceptionally hardy.
