Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a beginner-friendly plant that needs only a simple routine. Lush, arching fronds that add a soft green look. Pet-safe and a natural humidifier.
Buy boston fern online from our store, and use this guide for everything from light and watering to common problems and propagation.
Table of Contents
Why Choose This Plant?
Key benefits: pet-safe, natural humidifier. Hang it in a bright bathroom or on a shaded balcony where humidity is higher.
Boston fern is a beginner-friendly plant that needs only a simple routine, and it stays a manageable size: a mature plant reaches about 40-60 cm. Good spots include: hanging basket, balcony (shade).
Every plant we ship is healthy, well rooted and supplied in a nursery pot, so you can start growing it as soon as it arrives.
Plant Details at a Glance
- Botanical name: Nephrolepis exaltata
- Also known as: Sword Fern
- Care level: Easy
- Mature size: 40-60 cm
- Best placement: Hanging basket, balcony (shade)
- Light: Bright indirect
- Watering: Every 3-4 days; keep moist
- Pet safety: Non-toxic
Boston Fern Care Guide
Light Requirements
Light requirement: bright indirect. Place it about a metre from a bright window, away from harsh afternoon sun that can scorch the leaves. Rotate the pot every couple of weeks so every side gets even light and the plant grows straight.
Watering Schedule
Recommended watering: every 3-4 days; keep moist. Always check the soil with a finger before watering: if the top 2-3 cm is still damp, wait a few more days. Water thoroughly until it drains from the holes, then empty the saucer. Reduce watering in winter, when growth slows.
Soil and Potting Mix
Recommended mix: Well-draining mix: 40% garden soil, 30% cocopeat, 20% vermicompost, 10% perlite. Choose a pot only 2-3 cm wider than the root ball, with drainage holes. Repot every one to two years in spring or early monsoon, when roots start circling the pot or growing out of the holes.
Fertilizer and Feeding
Diluted organic liquid feed or 1 tbsp vermicompost every 4-6 weeks in growing season (Mar-Sep); none in winter. Always water the plant before feeding, and never apply more than the recommended amount.
Temperature and Climate
Ideal temperature range: 18-32?C. Indoor plants enjoy the same temperatures we do. Keep it away from air-conditioner vents, heaters and cold drafts, and avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause leaf drop.
How to Propagate It at Home
Divide the clump in spring, making sure each section has roots, or pot up the runners. Keep new divisions evenly moist.
Propagating is a simple, low-cost way to fill more pots or share plants with friends and family.
Common Boston Fern Problems and Solutions
The most common issue is frond drop in dry air. Our pro tip: mist or group with other plants for humidity.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks and check the undersides for mealybugs and spider mites. If you spot pests, spray a mild neem oil solution every 7-10 days until they are gone.
Where to Place It and Pet Safety
Best spots: hanging basket, balcony (shade). It is generally considered safe for cats and dogs, but pets may still get an upset stomach if they chew plant material, so supervise curious pets.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one live, healthy plant in a nursery pot, packed securely to arrive in good condition. Plants are natural products, so leaf size, shape and pattern can vary slightly from the photos.
To keep it thriving, we suggest pairing it with: potting mix + vermicompost + perlite from our store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my boston fern leaves turning brown?
Dry air, underwatering or direct sun are common causes. Keep the soil evenly moist, mist occasionally and use bright indirect light.
How often should I water this plant?
Our recommended schedule: every 3-4 days; keep moist. Always adjust to the season and check the soil first.
Is this plant good for beginners?
Boston fern is a beginner-friendly plant that needs only a simple routine. Follow the care guide above and you should see steady growth.
Want to learn more about the botany? Read the Nephrolepis exaltata overview on Wikipedia.
Explore more indoor plants in our store, or pair this plant with Dracaena Marginata (Dragon Tree) and Ponytail Palm.
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