Plants
Boston fern care: light, water & problems
Scientific name: Nephrolepis exaltata · Common name: Boston fern
Lush fern with arching, pinnate light green fronds that cascade gracefully over the edge of its pot.
Editorial revision:
Care at a glance
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect or filtered light. Direct sun scorches the delicate fronds.
- Watering
- The mix should never dry out completely; keep it moist but ensure perfect drainage.
How to identify it
Lush fern with arching, pinnate light green fronds that cascade gracefully over the edge of its pot.
Light
Medium to bright indirect or filtered light. Direct sun scorches the delicate fronds.
Watering
The mix should never dry out completely; keep it moist but ensure perfect drainage.
Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.
Environment and placement
It demands very high humidity and despises the dry air caused by indoor heating in winter.
Potting mix and feeding
Use a draining mix that retains some moisture, matched to pot size and the drying rate in your home.
During active growth, follow a suitable feed label. First check light, water and roots if the plant is declining.
Problems to check
A massive shedding of leaflets and crispy fronds are immediate signs of under-watering or very dry air.
How to assess brown tips and edgesCommon question
How do I keep humidity high in winter?
Group plants together, use a humidifier, or place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles (ensuring the pot sits above the water).
