Which habitats commonly support fern species?

Ferns are highly diverse in their habitat requirements, though they are most commonly found in shaded, damp forests across both tropical and temperate zones. While many species thrive on soil, others are specialized to grow in specific environments:1

• Rocky Habitats: Many ferns are epipetric, growing in the fissures and crevices of cliff faces, boulders, and taluses. These species are often sensitive to the chemical composition of the rock, with distinct groups favoring acidic rocks (such as granite or sandstone) versus alkaline rocks (such as calcite or dolomite).1
• Epiphytic Environments: In tropical regions, a significant portion of fern species grow as epiphytes on the trunks and branches of trees.12
• Open and Disturbed Sites: Some ferns, such as bracken, are characteristically found in open areas like old fields, pastures, or cleared forests. Others inhabit bogs and marshes.32
• Aquatic and Dry Regions: Certain water ferns float on the surface of ponds. Conversely, some species have adapted to dry regions, appearing rapidly following rainfall.31