Boston Fern Care Instructions

Taxonomic Name: Nephrolepis  

Wood Fern Family

Nonflowering Herbaceous Plant

Ever since Victorian times, the Boston fern has been the most widely used indoor fern. It happily accepts low light levels and even tolerates low humidity, as long its soil does not dry out too much. In recent decades, several new cultivated varieties derived from the Boston fern have hit the market. Among these, the most promising is the Dallas fern--a more compact plant with fronds that are considerably shorter. There are also varieties--`Norwoodii' and `Fluffy Ruffles' among them--that have very frilly foliage.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: Bright indirect sunlight is best, but your Boston fern will also accept weaker indirect sunlight, as well as bright artificial light. Direct, blazing sunlight will probably burn or blanch the foliage.

WATERING: Water as soon as the soil surface feels dry to the touch. At least a little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes, but the plant should not stand in saucer water for more than thirty minutes.  

FEEDING: Feed the plant only when it is actively growing, and then do so sparingly. Use a high-nitrogen (high first number) houseplant fertilizer applied at half the concentration and frequency listed in the product directions.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Like almost all ferns, Boston ferns prefer high humidity. To lessen the shedding of dry leaves, place your plant on top of a water-filled pebble tray, or place the plant near a room humidifier.