Dryopteris (ferns) are great garden or container plants. Depending on the variety, they may thrive in shade, low light, or bright indirect light. Whatever your indoor or outdoor conditions, there’s probably a fern that’s right for you. As long as you keep it well watered, your in-ground or potted fern should reward you with dramatic, sweeping foliage. As with most plants though, especially those that are potted, ferns will outgrow their location if given enough time.