Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’) Plant Care Snapshot
This fern flirts with humidity, flares vibrant fronds in filtered sun, and politely asks for weekly, gentle watering.
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist
Light
Bright, indirect light only
Humidity
Aim for 50%+ humidity
Care Level
Intermediate care needed
Pet-safe
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Feathery Emerald Fronds & Cascading Waterfall Form
Boston Fern’s fronds are made up of narrow, serrated leaflets that give a soft, feathery feel. Their clear emerald green color looks fresh in bright, filtered light—ideal for any spa-inspired nook or bright living room accent.
Each frond arches outward and curves down in a gentle waterfall shape, reaching 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) long. Multiple overlapping layers create depth and movement, making it perfect for hanging basket décor or high-shelf greenery.
New growth starts as tight fiddleheads that unfurl into neat tiers of pinnae. Occasional thin runners spill over the pot’s edge, showcasing Nephrolepis exaltata foliage and adding a subtle rainforest vibe.
Boston fern Plant Care & Growing Requirements
Ready to pamper your Boston Fern’s feathery fronds? Here’s how to keep it lush and happy:
Watering Schedule
Water when the top 1″ (2–3 cm) of soil feels dry—about 1–2×/week in spring and summer, and about once a week in winter. Use room-temperature water and discard any excess to prevent root rot.
Quick Tips:
- Water until slight runoff
- Test soil 1″ down first
- Use rain, filtered, or distilled water
- Empty saucer after 15 minutes
Light & Placement
Bright, indirect light is best—an east- or north-facing window works well. A few hours of gentle morning sun deepens frond color; avoid harsh midday rays. If your bathroom or kitchen has a window, it makes a perfect humid spot.
Quick Tips:
- Aim for 4–6 hrs filtered light
- Soften rays with a sheer curtain
- Rotate weekly for even growth
- Move away if fronds bleach
Soil & Potting
Use a loose, peat-based mix amended with perlite or coarse sand for good drainage. Choose a shallow pot with holes. Check roots each spring; when root-bound (often every 2 years), move up by no more than 1–2″ and gently tease circling roots.
Quick Tips:
- Mix 2 parts peat to 1 perlite
- Always pick a draining pot
- Upgrade pot by no more than 2″
- Trim any mushy or circling roots
Humidity & Temperature
Keep temps at 65–75 °F (18–24 °C) and never below 55 °F (13 °C). Aim for ≥50% humidity and mist fronds occasionally if airflow is good.
Quick Tips:
- Group plants for shared moisture
- Use a pebbles-and-water tray
- Mist fronds daily if air circulation is good
- Keep away from drafts & vents
Propagation
Divide in early spring: lift the root ball, split into clumps (with several fronds), and replant in fresh mix. Or lay healthy runners on moist soil, pin in place, and wait 2–4 weeks for roots before cutting free.
Quick Tips:
- Divide every 2 years or as needed
- Keep new divisions moist until settled
- Pin runners with a paperclip or stone
- Expect new growth in 2–4 weeks
Fertilizer
Feed monthly in spring/summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10) at half strength. Flush the soil with plain water every 2–3 months to remove salts. Skip feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
Quick Tips:
- Dilute to ½ label strength
- Water first, then fertilize
- Flush to prevent salt buildup
- Hold off feeding in dormancy
Essentials & Stylish Accents
Equip your Boston Fern with the must-have tools—moisture-loving soil, a humidity booster, a hanging basket, and a spa-style mister—to keep those fronds flourishing.
Fern Potting Mix
Peat-moss, bark, perlite & charcoal blend holds moisture yet drains freely—just right for your Boston Fern’s shallow roots.
Shop on Amazon →
Humidity Tray & Pebbles
Shallow tray and pebbles lift the pot, boosting local humidity without soggy soil—ideal for spa-like frond health.
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Woven Hanging Baskets
Soft cotton-jute weave lets fronds cascade naturally while promoting airflow—perfect for displaying your fern in style.
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Glass Plant Mister
One-hand pump delivers a fine mist to up humidity around delicate fronds—daily spa treatment for your Boston Fern.
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Foliage & Close-Up Gallery
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’) Got Questions? We've got answers!
Are Boston ferns good air purifiers?
Yes—Boston ferns were one of the top plants in NASA’s Clean Air Study, shown to remove formaldehyde and xylene from indoor air.
Just remember you’d need several to see a noticeable effect in a room.
Can I grow my Boston fern outdoors in summer?
Absolutely—Boston ferns thrive outdoors in USDA zones 9–11 (night lows above ~55 °F/13 °C) when placed in full or partial shade.
Move them inside before temperatures dip below 50 °F (10 °C) to avoid frost damage.
Is Epsom salt good for Boston ferns?
Not usually—while magnesium can help green up foliage, Boston ferns thrive on a balanced, half-strength houseplant fertilizer.
Epsom salt can build up salts in the soil and lead to leaf tip burn, so it’s best skipped unless a soil test shows a true magnesium deficiency.
How do I protect my fern from brown frond tips?
Brown tips are often from low humidity or salt buildup. Boost humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier, flush the pot every few months with plain water, and cut off any browned tips with clean scissors to keep fronds looking fresh.
How can I increase humidity for my fern?
Aim for at least 50 % RH. Group plants on a pebble tray, mist fronds lightly if airflow is good, or use a nearby humidifier. Avoid misting the soil directly, and keep the fern away from drafts or heating vents.
Is Boston Fern safe around pets?
Yes. Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’ is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans—making it a perfect green roommate for any home.
Conclusion
While Boston Ferns aren’t the easiest green roommates, their specific TLC pays off with lush, cascading fronds you’ll love showing off. Give yours consistent moisture, filtered light, and a humidity boost, and it’ll thrive for years.
Ready to grow your fern family? Explore more fern varieties and care tips!
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