Plant Care

How to Care for Boston Fern: The Complete Guide The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a classic houseplant that's been gracing homes and porches since the Victorian era. With its graceful arching fronds and lush, feathery texture, it transforms any space into a green sanctuary. Boston Ferns do have specific needs — especially around humidity — but meeting them is simple once you know the playbook. Boston Fern at a Glance Botanical Name Nephrolepis exaltata Common Names Boston Fern, Sword Fern Plant Type Evergreen fern Mature Size 2–3 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. spread Light Medium indirect (dappled light) Water Keep soil consistently moist Humidity 60–80% (high humidity essential) Temperature 60–75°F (16–24°C) Soil Rich, peat-based, well-draining Toxicity Non-toxic to pets Difficulty Moderate Light Requirements Boston Ferns thrive in medium, indirect light — mimicking their natural habitat on the forest floor. They're one of the best plants for rooms with gentle, filtered natural light. Ideal: Dappled or filtered light near a north- or east-facing window Acceptable: Bright indirect light if kept away from direct sun Avoid: Direct sunlight, which scorches the delicate fronds Low light: Tolerates it briefly but will thin out over time Watering Boston Ferns like consistently moist soil — never let the soil dry out completely. However, "moist" doesn't mean "soggy." Think damp sponge, not wet puddle. Water thoroughly when the top of the soil feels slightly dry Spring/Summer: May need watering every 2–3 days in dry/warm conditions Fall/Winter: Every 4–7 days If the fern is in a hanging basket, it dries out faster — check frequently Humidity This is the single most important factor for Boston Fern success. They need 60–80% humidity — significantly higher than most homes provide. Without adequate humidity, fronds turn brown and shed leaflets. Best humidity strategies: Humidifier near the plant (most effective) Bathroom with natural light (natural steam from showers) Pebble tray with water beneath the pot Group with other humidity-loving plants Regular misting (helpful but not sufficient alone) Temperature Boston Ferns prefer cooler temperatures than many tropical plants: 60–75°F (16–24°C). They struggle in heat above 80°F and can be damaged by temperatures below 50°F. Soil Use a rich, peat-based, well-draining mix: 2 parts peat moss 1 part perlite 1 part compost Fertilizing Feed monthly during spring/summer with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength Stop in fall/winter Propagation Boston Ferns propagate by division or from runners: Division: During spring repotting, separate the root ball into sections. Each section should have fronds and healthy roots. Runners: Boston Ferns produce thin runners with small plantlets. Pin these into adjacent pots of moist soil; once rooted, cut the runner. Common Problems Brown, Crispy Fronds Low humidity — the #1 Boston Fern problem. Increase humidity immediately using a humidifier or pebble tray. Trim brown fronds to encourage new growth. Shedding Leaflets Normal to some degree (ferns are messy plants!), but excessive shedding indicates low humidity, underwatering, or too much heat. Yellowing Fronds Overwatering or overfertilizing. Check soil drainage and reduce fertilizer. Boston Ferns are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them an excellent choice for pet-friendly homes. 👉 Shop Boston Fern · Shop Boston Fern Starter Plant Frequently Asked Questions Why is my Boston Fern turning brown? Almost always low humidity. Boston Ferns need 60–80% humidity. Increase humidity with a humidifier, pebble tray, or by moving to a naturally humid room like a bathroom. Can Boston Ferns grow indoors? Yes, with adequate humidity and indirect light. Bathrooms with windows are ideal. In dry homes, a humidifier is essential for keeping fronds healthy. Are Boston Ferns pet-safe? Yes! Boston Ferns are completely non-toxic to cats and dogs. They're one of the best pet-safe hanging plants available. How often should I mist my Boston Fern? Daily misting helps but isn't sufficient on its own. For best results, combine misting with a humidifier or pebble tray to maintain consistent humidity around 60–80%. Bring Victorian elegance to your home. Shop Boston Ferns at Divine Roots — lush, full, and ready to transform any corner. 🌿 Related Reading Hanging Plants Indoor Air Purifying Indoor Plants Best Plants for Bedroom