Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'
📖 About this plant
The quintessential hanging basket fern, beloved since its discovery in 1894 for its gracefully arching, sword-shaped fronds. The lush, feathery green foliage cascades dramatically from pots and hanging planters, adding instant tropical vibes to any room. Excellent at purifying indoor air and adding humidity. Thrives in bright, indirect light with consistently moist soil and high humidity.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
Bright indirect
Every 2-3 days
High (60-80%)
16-24°C
Rich, well-draining peat-based potting mix with added perlite and compost; retains moisture without waterlogging
Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during growing season; avoid excess nitrogen
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas; the 'Bostoniensis' cultivar originated in Boston, Massachusetts
- 📏 Max height
- 60-90 cm (frond length can reach 90+ cm)
- 📐 Spread
- 60-120 cm
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Non-flowering
- 🎨 Bloom color
- Non-flowering — reproduces via spores on the undersides of fronds
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Bright Green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Perennial
- 📈 Growth rate
- Moderate
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans — one of the safest ferns for pet-friendly homes
- 🌱 Propagation
- Division of root rhizomes in spring; runner plantlets ( stolons) can be pinned to moist soil to root
🛡️ Health & Safety
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans — one of the safest ferns for pet-friendly homes
Common issues
- Brown crispy fronds from low humidity, Leaf drop from dry conditions, Root rot from overwatering
💡 Care tips
- Needs consistently moist soil but not soggy,Mist daily or use a humidifier tray,Place in bathroom or kitchen for natural humidity,Trim brown fronds at the base to encourage new growth
