Boston Fern care sheet
Nephrolepis exaltata · Moderate care · Pet-safe
Feathery, cascading fronds for hanging baskets, porches and plant shelves.
| Light | Bright, indirect light. Shade outdoors. |
|---|---|
| Water | Keep the soil evenly moist. Often 2 to 3 times a week. |
| Temperature | 60°F to 75°F. Bring in below 50°F. |
| Humidity | 50% or higher. |
| Soil | Rich, peat- or coir-based potting mix. |
| Fertilizer | Half strength monthly in spring and summer. |
| Repotting | Every 1 to 2 years, or divide. |
| Pets | Non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
Where to water it
Pour water slowly onto the soil around the base, not over the leaves, until it runs out of the drainage holes. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
When: Keep the soil evenly moist. In most homes that means watering 2 times a week.
Where to put it
Bright, indirect light with humidity. It dries out fast near heaters.
Avoid these mistakes
- Letting it dry out completely
- Dry winter air
- Direct sun
If something looks wrong
- Brown, crispy fronds: the soil dried out or the air is too dry. Cut brown fronds back to the base, soak the pot, and raise humidity. New fronds usually grow from the center within weeks.
- Shedding leaflets: dry air, low light or the stress of a move.
- Yellow fronds: overwatering, or old fronds aging out.
- Grocery store ferns: they're often root-bound. Repot into a slightly bigger pot with fresh mix.
- Epsom salt: it adds magnesium and can green up pale fronds, but only if the soil is short on magnesium. Regular balanced fertilizer is usually all a fern needs.
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