This plant works indoors or out, adding tropical flair wherever you place it.
For decades, Boston ferns have been grown as a tropical accent plant both indoors and out.
These requirements are some of the reasons why covered patios are such popular places to plant Boston ferns.
Credit: William N. Hopkins
Choose a spot for your fern with moist, well-draining soil and lots of shade.
Like most ferns, Boston fern needshigh humidity to thrive.
When grown in too much shade, a plant’s fronds will become dull and sparse.
Credit: William N. Hopkins
Too much sun, though, and frondswill burn.
When growing Boston fern outside, verify your plant is sheltered from direct sun and strong winds.
As cool weather approaches, many Boston fern growers choose to bring their container-grown ferns indoors for the winter.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
If the soil dries out, the plant will crisp up and drop many of its leaves.
The most finicky thing about a Boston fern is its need for humidityideally levels above 80 percent.
Fertilization is not typically needed in the fall and winter months.
Credit: Jay Wilde
Fertilize potted ferns with a houseplant formula at half-strength every month from spring to early fall.
Spring is also the best time to divide your Boston fern.
Fill in the pot with potting mix (do not pack it) and thoroughly water.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Its common for ferns to grow a little root-bound in containers.
For both indoor and outdoor Boston ferns, blight and root rot can be a problem.
Root rot can develop if the soil remains too wet for too long.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
This will also prevent your fern from growing tooroot-bound.
Replant the divided ferns and water thoroughly.
Some Boston ferns feature finely dissected leaflets that create a loose and airy feel.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
It is a compact plant, with fronds only about half the length of the species.
‘Fluffy Ruffles’ Fern
This smaller form ofNephrolepis exaltatahas finely divided curled fronds.
This variety has large leaves that can get quite long.
Credit: Randall Schieber
It prefers full to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil like the Boston fern.
The plant soon surged in popularity.
Boston ferns reproduce through rows of sori (or spores) on the undersides of their fronds.
Dean Schoeppner.
The best way to duplicate a Boston fern is through division.
Plant of the week.
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Credit: Photo by: Ralph Anderson
https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/boston-fern-11-18-05.aspx
Boston Fern, nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis.Master Gardener Program University of Wisconsin Extension.
Toxic and non-toxic Plant List - dogs.
Toxic and non-toxic Plant List - cats.
Jason Wilde.
Asparagus densiflorus (Sprengeri Group).North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.
