Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The forgiving one. Drops dry fronds dramatically but bounces back once humidity improves. Mine lives on a pebble tray and gets a shower every few weeks.
Species notes
Maidenhair (Adiantum)
Beautiful and temperamental. One dry afternoon and half the fronds crisp. Keep it away from radiators and never let the pot dry out.
Bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus)
Glossy, undivided fronds. Water around the rosette, not into the center, or the crown rots. Tolerates lower light than most.
Rabbit's foot fern (Davallia)
Named for the furry rhizomes that creep over the pot rim. Likes to dry a touch between waterings, unusual for a fern.