Plant Spotlight: Boston Fern

Boston ferns are a popular houseplant that has been enjoyed by plant enthusiasts for over a century. With their lacy fronds and graceful appearance, these ferns can add a touch of elegance to any indoor space. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also have many health benefits, such as purifying the air and increasing humidity levels. Whether you're an experienced plant parent or a beginner, the Boston fern is a great choice for adding greenery and beauty to your home. In this blog, we will cover all the essentials of Boston fern care, from watering to fertilizing, repotting to propagating, and much more. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of this beloved houseplant.

US Forest Service

Watering

To keep your Boston fern healthy, it needs consistent moisture but not to be overwatered. It's recommended to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure to use a pot with drainage holes and let excess water drain away. If the plant dries out too much, it may wilt and lose fronds, which can be alarming. However, if this happens, water it immediately and it should recover.

Light

Boston ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can be too intense and scorch the fronds, while low light levels can make the plant weak and leggy. It's best to place the fern near a north-facing window or provide filtered light with a sheer curtain. It's important to note that the amount of light required may vary depending on the plant's location and the time of year.

Fertilizer

Feeding Boston ferns is essential for optimal growth. It's recommended to feed the plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully to avoid overfertilizing, which can damage the plant.

Humidity & Temperature

Boston ferns prefer high humidity and temperatures between 60 and 75°F (15-24°C). If the air is too dry, mist the plant regularly or place a humidifier nearby. Avoid placing the plant in drafty areas or exposing it to cold temperatures, as this can cause damage to the fronds.

Repotting

To keep your Boston fern healthy and thriving, it's essential to repot it every one to two years, usually in the spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current one and add fresh potting soil. Take extra care not to damage the delicate roots of the plant during the repotting process.

Propagating

Boston ferns can be propagated through division or spores. To divide the plant, carefully remove it from its pot and separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with a few fronds attached. Replant each section in its own pot with fresh potting soil. To propagate with spores, wait until the fronds have turned brown and spores have formed on the undersides. Collect the spores and plant them in a mixture of peat moss and sand.

Pests

Common pests that can affect Boston ferns include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation, such as sticky residue, yellowing or curling leaves, or small insects. If you notice any problems, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to keep it healthy.

Varieties

There are many different varieties of Boston ferns, and each one has its unique characteristics and growth habits. Some popular varieties include the compact 'Dallas,' the ruffled 'Kimberly Queen,' and the more upright 'Green Lady.' Choose the variety that best suits your preferences, considering factors such as the size, shape, and texture of the fronds.

-        Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis': This is the original Boston Fern, with long, graceful fronds that arch gracefully over the sides of the pot. The fronds are a medium green color and have a slightly rough texture. It is one of the larger Boston Fern varieties, growing up to 3 feet in height and spread.

Hortology

-        Nephrolepis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffles': This variety of Boston Fern has fronds that are more finely divided than the Bostoniensis. The fronds are a lighter green and are heavily ruffled, giving them a fluffy appearance. This variety tends to be a bit smaller, growing to around 2 feet in height and spread.

SRL Ferns

-        Nephrolepis exaltata 'Dallas': The 'Dallas' variety has shorter fronds that are more upright than the other varieties. The fronds are a lighter green and have a slightly drooping appearance. This variety is a bit smaller, growing to around 2 feet in height and spread.

Urban Sprouts

-        Nephrolepis exaltata 'Kimberly Queen': The 'Kimberly Queen' is a popular variety of Boston Fern due to its more compact and upright growth habit. The fronds are a darker green color and have a glossy texture. The fronds are slightly shorter than other Boston Fern varieties, growing to around 2-3 feet in height and spread.

Tropical Plants of Florida

-        Nephrolepis exaltata 'Rooseveltii': This variety of Boston Fern has fronds that are broader and more deeply divided than other varieties. The fronds are a dark green color and have a slightly rough texture. This variety tends to be a bit larger, growing up to 4 feet in height and spread.

The Planters Palette

Fun facts

-        Boston ferns are native to tropical regions and are often found growing in rainforests.

-        They are one of the oldest plants on Earth, dating back to prehistoric times.

-        In the Victorian era, Boston ferns were a popular houseplant and were used to decorate homes and gardens.

-        They were first introduced in the US in the 1800s, and quickly became a popular houseplant due to their elegant fronds and ease of care.

-        Boston Ferns have been shown to have a positive effect on mental health, and can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels in people.

-        These plants are non-toxic to pets and children, making them a great choice for households with furry friends or little ones.

-        Boston Ferns have been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including digestive problems and skin conditions.

-        The plant's Latin name, Nephrolepis exaltata, comes from the Greek words "nephros" (kidney) and "lepis" (scale), which refers to the shape of the plant's fronds.