Boston Fern Care: What to Know

Learn how to grow Boston Fern in your indoor garden and get this lovely plant to thrive. Boston Fern is one of the easier ferns to grow as a houseplant. Learn about proper lighting, watering, fertilizing, humidity, and more.

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Video Transcript

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Today, we have a plant care video for the beautiful Boston fern, botanically known as Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis. This fern is one of the easiest to grow indoors. While some ferns struggle in dry indoor air, the Boston fern thrives, making it an excellent choice for cleaning indoor air. With its beautiful, lime-green fronds that can grow up to 4 feet long, the Boston fern creates an eye-catching display in a hanging basket or cascading from a perch, such as the top of a bookcase or entertainment center.

Unlike many ferns, the Boston fern is considered sterile. Instead of relying on spores to grow new plants, it propagates through stolons, which are offshoots that contact the soil, form roots, and grow into new plants.

To successfully grow a Boston fern, keep these tips in mind:

Light: The Boston fern does best in an unobstructed northern window with medium indirect light throughout the day, or an eastern-facing window with morning light. Avoid south or west-facing windows as they are too bright and can burn the foliage. The plant can also thrive under full-spectrum lighting.
Watering: Boston ferns do not tolerate drying out. Keep the plant evenly moist but not soggy. Perpetually soggy soil can lead to yellowing fronds and root rot, while overly dry soil can cause leaf yellowing and leaf loss. Water when the moisture meter reads around four, or when the plant feels lighter during the pickup test. Use warm water to soak the entire pot, ensuring it saturates the soil without overflowing.
Fertilizing: Fertilize Boston ferns from spring through fall with an organic, well-balanced plant food. Regular fertilizing ensures the plant remains lush and full with new fronds. Using a liquid fertilizer mixed with water is most effective.
Humidity: While Boston ferns can adapt to low humidity, they thrive with extra moisture. Ideally, maintain a humidity level of 50-60%. In dry climates, mist the plant a couple of times a day and use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels. Grouping plants together can also increase humidity. In winter, use a humidifier to maintain humidity levels.
Temperature: Boston ferns prefer temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and a bit cooler at night. They can tolerate temperatures up to 80°F but avoid temperatures below 65°F for extended periods, as this can stunt growth or slow it down.
Repotting: Repot Boston ferns annually using a rich, organic potting soil that includes peat moss, compost, and a draining agent like perlite. Repot in spring or early summer. Adding extra compost or worm compost is beneficial.
Pruning: Prune Boston ferns by clipping off old, yellowing fronds at the base of the plant. For partially yellowed fronds, clip off the affected sections to prevent further yellowing.
Pests and Diseases: Boston ferns rarely suffer from pests but watch for mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Treat mealybugs with isopropyl alcohol followed by neem oil. To manage spider mites, keep the plant misted and soil moist. Remove affected fronds for scale insects and follow a similar treatment process.

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FAQ's - Boston Fern 101

Frequently Asked Questions about Boston Fern Care

What is the botanical name of the Boston fern?

The botanical name of the Boston fern is Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis.

Where should I place my Boston fern for optimal light?

The Boston fern does best in an unobstructed northern window with medium indirect light throughout the day or an eastern-facing window with morning light. Avoid south or west-facing windows as they are too bright and can burn the foliage. The plant can also thrive under full-spectrum lighting.

How should I water my Boston fern?

Boston ferns do not tolerate drying out. Keep the plant evenly moist but not soggy. Water when the moisture meter reads around four or when the plant feels lighter during the pickup test. Use warm water to soak the entire pot, ensuring it saturates the soil without overflowing.

When should I fertilize my Boston fern and with what type of fertilizer?

Fertilize Boston ferns from spring through fall with an organic, well-balanced plant food. Regular fertilizing ensures the plant remains lush and full with new fronds. Using a liquid fertilizer mixed with water is most effective.

What humidity level is best for a Boston fern?

Boston ferns thrive with extra moisture, ideally maintaining a humidity level of 50-60%. In dry climates, mist the plant a couple of times a day and use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels. Grouping plants together or using a humidifier in winter can also help maintain humidity.

What temperature range is ideal for a Boston fern?

Boston ferns prefer temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and a bit cooler at night. They can tolerate temperatures up to 80°F but should avoid temperatures below 65°F for extended periods to prevent stunted growth.

How often should I repot my Boston fern and what type of soil should I use?

Repot Boston ferns annually using a rich, organic potting soil that includes peat moss, compost, and a draining agent like perlite. Repot in spring or early summer. Adding extra compost or worm compost is beneficial.

How do I prune my Boston fern?

Prune Boston ferns by clipping off old, yellowing fronds at the base of the plant. For partially yellowed fronds, clip off the affected sections to prevent further yellowing.

What pests and diseases should I watch for with Boston ferns?

Boston ferns rarely suffer from pests but watch for mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Treat mealybugs with isopropyl alcohol followed by neem oil. Manage spider mites by keeping the plant misted and soil moist. Remove affected fronds for scale insects and use the same treatment process as for mealybugs.