Boston Fern
Nephrolepis Exaltata 'Bostoniensis' Origin: Equatorial; widespread across tropical environments.
This is a spectacularly lush fern with long fronds featuring alternating leaflets. Whether you choose to keep it in a hanging basket or on a pedestal, try to mimic its natural habitat—as warm and humid as possible—to keep it healthy and happy.
Common Issues
Leaf drop: Boston Ferns drop their leaves for different reasons. Changes in temperature and excessive or insufficient watering are the most common culprits. If your fern starts to shed leaflets, it’s often best to cut the entire stem to the base and let a new frond develop.
Weak, thin fronds: Most often a result of insufficient sunlight.
Light: These ferns prefer moderately bright light but will easily burn in direct sunlight, so be mindful. When kept as a houseplant, an eastern exposure is best.
Water: These plants require consistently moist soil to prevent their gentle foliage from turning brown or falling off. That being said, try not to saturate the soil, as this fern can also shed leaves if kept wet rather than moist.
Humidity: Boston Ferns prefer high humidity and can struggle indoors, particularly with winter heating and summer air conditioning. We recommend using pebble trays and keeping your fern near other plants.
Growth: Boston Ferns typically grow to about 2-3 feet, with long draping foliage. They have a clumping habit and can grow very quickly in the right conditions.
Soil: Boston Ferns grow well in typical houseplant potting mix with perlite and a light application of slow-release fertilizer. Since they prefer constant moisture, adding activated charcoal can reduce bacterial growth and that wet-soil smell.
Temperature: Keep your fern above 65°F to maintain its beautiful foliage.
Repotting: You may need to repot your fern every year into a slightly larger container. Be sure to lightly tease the roots apart to encourage continued growth. You could also cut the plant into halves or quarters and pot them up individually.
Extra TLC: Placing your fern's container in a one-inch deep dish full of water will provide it with the extra water it craves.