Why the hare’s foot is the perfect fern for outside and in

New leaves: the adaptability of hare’s foot fern means it does well almost anywhere. Photograph: Sanyalux Srisurin/Alamy

One of the questions I’m often asked is how to keep ferns happy indoors. With most species adapted to sky-high humidity and perfectly even root moisture, it can be tricky to find any members of this group that will handle the bone-dry air and forgetful waterings that are the reality in most homes. However, there is one exotic that will thrive both indoors and outside. Let me introduce you to the hare’s foot fern.

The furry brown roots can look astonishingly mammalian – like an Ewok has stepped out from the undergrowth