Boston Fern History | Plant Stories

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Welcome to HealthyHousePlants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in The Great Indoors. If you’d like to support my show and get help growing your houseplants, check out my Patreon link below.

Today, we have an addition to my series on the history of various houseplants, and today we’re going to be talking about the Boston Fern. Featuring roughly sword-like lime green fronds, Boston fern is a popular houseplant with an interesting history. Of all ferns, it is one of the easier ones to grow indoors. I do have a care video on the plant, which I will link below.

This is a part of my Plant Stories series, so I’m going to tell you a little bit about Boston Fern’s fun history. Botanically known as Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’, the Boston fern has been around for more than 100 years. The species from which the Boston fern comes originates from a fern that is native to Florida and can be found around the Pacific Rim in tropical areas.

The Boston fern was discovered in a shipment of 200 plants back in 1894. The shipment was going from a Philadelphia florist to F.C. Becker, a florist in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which just happens to be across the river from Boston. Becker noticed the plant because it had wider fronds than many other ferns and an attractive hanging habit, as opposed to the upright stiff fronds commonly seen in other fern varieties. He singled out the plant from that shipment and began propagating it.

Two years later, a London botanist identified the plant as Nephrolepis exaltata and suggested naming the cultivar Bostoniensis, because it was discovered by Becker and propagated by him in Boston. Once there were enough plants propagated and sold, the Boston fern became very popular in the plant industry for its beautiful appearance and the fact that it was easier to grow indoors than many other types of ferns.

Back in the early 1900s, at the turn of the century, the Boston fern became very popular, gracing homes and public buildings. Its sales soared during that time and continued to grow over the decades. As you know, and have probably seen, this is a very popular houseplant, and it continues to remain an all-time favorite when it comes to indoor ferns.

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Boston Fern Indoor Care FAQs

What is the botanical name of the Boston Fern?

The botanical name of the Boston Fern is Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’.

Where does the Boston Fern originate from?

The Boston Fern originates from a species of fern native to Florida and tropical areas around the Pacific Rim.

How was the Boston Fern discovered?

The Boston Fern was discovered in 1894 in a shipment of 200 plants from a Philadelphia florist to F.C. Becker, a florist in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Becker noticed its unusual fronds and began propagating the plant.

Why is the Boston Fern named after Boston?

The fern was named after Boston because it was propagated by F.C. Becker in Cambridge, near Boston, and a London botanist suggested naming it Bostoniensis after its location of propagation.

When did the Boston Fern become popular?

The Boston Fern became popular in the early 1900s, particularly at the turn of the century, and has continued to remain a favorite houseplant for indoor use.

What makes the Boston Fern a popular houseplant?

The Boston Fern is popular for its attractive, wide fronds and hanging growth habit. It is also easier to grow indoors compared to other types of ferns.

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