The fern species Nephrolepis exaltata, sometimes referred to as the sword fern or Boston fern, is a member of the Lomariopsidaceae family. It comes from the Americas. This evergreen plant has a maximum height of up to 1.5 metres and a width of 40 to 90 centimetres. It is regarded as a traditional houseplant in North America and is simple to look after because it doesn’t need a lot of sunshine.
This plant is a fantastic option for gardens in partial shade since it thrives in swampy, humid, and wooded environments outside. Its tall, sword-shaped, blue-green foliage has little leaflets and only begins to arch as the fronds get bigger. Boston fern is a slow-growing fern species that does best whether planted inside or outdoors during the fall or spring.
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Boston fern: Quick facts
| Botanical name: Nephrolepis exaltata |
| Type: Fern |
| Leaf type: Glossy green leaves |
| Flower: No |
| Also known as: Sword fern |
| Height: 1-2 m tall |
| Season: Throughout the year |
| Sun exposure: Keep in shade with a few hours of direct sunlight |
| Ideal temperature: 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Soil type: Well-drained |
| Soil pH: Slightly acidic |
| Basic requirements: Intermittent watering, indirect sunlight, home-made fertiliser |
| Ideal location for placement: Indoors |
| Ideal season to grow: Entire year |
| Maintenance: Low |
Boston fern: Varieties
- Nephrolepis exaltata Compacta: It is a compact and upright version of the Boston fern, and is sturdier than other varieties. It can tolerate a high degree of heat and dryness.
- Florida Ruffle Nephrolepis exaltata: Its fronds have feathery, ruffled edges that grow densely. .
- Golden Boston Nephrolepis exaltata: It can be grown outdoors in pots and indoors during winters to be transplanted outside the following year.
- Nephrolepis exaltata: Despite its yellow, almost chartreuse, fronds, ‘Rita’s Gold’ also complements impatiens and begonias in containers.
- ‘Fluffy Duffy’ Nephrolepis exaltata: It produces feathery fronds that make it a terrific addition to hanging baskets. A daily misting all year long keeps it looking beautiful.
Boston fern: Propagation
Boston ferns are one of the easiest plants to propagate. The seeds can be sown in a pot of soil in a shady area, such as under a tree. To plant the Boston fern out into its permanent position, it is best to use a good quality soil mix. You should ensure that you have used compost or well-rotted manure in order to improve the soil condition and help it retain moisture. You should also check that there are no stones or other foreign matter present in your mix before planting out your Boston fern.
How to grow the Boston fern from seed?
The process of propagating a Boston fern from seed is actually quite simple and can be done in a few steps.
- First, you will need to make sure that the soil where you want your plant to grow is moist and well-drained.
- You will also need to ensure that there are no harmful weeds growing in your area, as this could affect your plant negatively.
- Make sure that the soil has been prepared correctly by removing any rocks or debris that may be present.
- It’s also important not to use any pesticides in this area because they can harm your plant as well as other living organisms around it. Once you’ve done this step, you’re ready for the next step.
- Using a shovel, dig up the soil until you reach at least six inches deep.
- Then place one seed into each hole before gently pressing down on top of them with your hand so they won’t collapse while being filled with water later on down.
- You’ll need to place the seeds in moist soil, and you’ll need to keep them watered. But by all means, don’t water them too much.
- Once they’re planted in their pots, you’ll need to mist them daily until they sprout. You should start to notice tiny, white leaves poking through the soil’s surface in approximately three weeks. They will keep growing until they’re able to be put outside in their permanent location.
- If you have trouble finding good soil for your ferns, try using a mixture of equal parts peat moss and composted manure.The peat moss will help retain moisture.The composted manure will help provide nutrients.
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Boston fern: Typical pests and plant illnesses
Whiteflies, mealybugs, and insects that eat with their mouths, such as snails, slugs, and caterpillars, may choose to target a Boston fern that is growing outside. Insect chewing causes holes in the leaves and leaves a sticky trail in its wake.
Root rot, which turns your fern’s fronds grey and its roots brown, can be brought on by overwatering your Boston fern. By giving the fern’s roots enough drainage and ventilation, root rot may also be avoided.
Boston fern: Growing and caring tips
Soil
Dry soil is one of the key factors contributing to Boston fern mortality. Water the soil immediately if it even slightly feels dry. Each day, check the soil. Since Boston ferns are frequently grown in potting mixtures with a lot of peat moss, it is a good idea to water the fern’s pot once a month or so to make sure the peat moss is completely moist.
Light
Boston ferns need a chilly setting with lots of humidity and filtered light.
Watering
Boston Ferns would do well with weekly watering. However, make sure the soil is moist and not wet. Also make sure you allow the top of the soil to dry out between watering during winter.
Humidity
Add more humidity while caring for Boston fern plants inside, especially during the winter. The dryness of most homes is even worse when the heaters are on. For added humidity maintenance, try setting the Boston fern’s pot on a tray of stones with water in it. To assist your fern in obtaining the humidity it requires, you might also try lightly spraying it once or twice a week.
Feeding
In the spring and summer, Boston ferns need to be fertilised once a month.
Temperature
The Boston fern plant enjoys night temperature of 65ºF and a warmer day temperature of up to 95ºF. The plant will tolerate cooler temperatures if growing outside. If grown seasonally outdoors it should be moved inside or protected when temperatures dip into the low 40s.
Propagation
Boston ferns can be grown by shoots, also referred to as Boston fern runners or by dividing the Boston fern plants.
Speed of Growth
Summer is when Boston ferns are in their active phase of growth.
Height/Spread
The plant can grow between 1 to 3 foot high and 2 to 3 foot wide.
Repotting
Containers that take longer to dry out are ideal for repotting your plant. This makes plastic or glazed terracotta pots with ample drainage holes an ideal choice. Repotting is best done in the spring when roots start coming out of the soil. Select a pot size that is larger than the plant’s root ball or size up your pot by 2 inches. Gently remove the fern from its old pot and replant it at the same depth using a fresh potting mix.
Pruning
Boston fern reacts well to severe pruning because it promotes bushy growth and can address legginess problems. When you’re prepared to repot a houseplant, it is the ideal moment to trim it. Simply pick up any browned leaves and trim the runners with no leaves. After that, give your fern a proper haircut by using sharp scissors to clip off the side fronds at the base. Trim the margins of the plant to the desired form rather than cropping the top of the plant.
Boston fern: Uses
One of the most effective indoor plants for cleansing the air is the Boston fern. Toxins, including formaldehyde, plastic off-gassing, and cigarette smoke, are removed from the interior air thanks to it. This plant can potentially aid with ailments including dry skin, dry noses, and dry throats by adding moisture back to the dry air.
FAQs
Are Boston ferns toxic?
No. There are no harmful effects associated with Boston ferns.
Where should I keep my Boston ferns?
Since Boston ferns are native to subtropical regions, a damp bathroom with some indirect sunshine is the ideal environment for them. Ferns thrive in a well-lit bedroom as well, where they purify the air as you sleep.