Boston fern
Nephrolepis exaltata-
Lighting
Indirect light only.
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Watering
Keep soil moist.
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Humidity
High humidity.
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Feeding
Feed during spring and summer.
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Temperature
13C-24C
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Pests
spider mites and mealy bugs
About the Boston fern
The Boston fern is an ideal plant for your bathroom as it will thrive on the humidity and condensation usually found there. The long fronds on the fern will flow beautifully in a hanging basket or it will sit perfectly on a table where its leaves can hang gracefully over the edge. It’s also an easy plant to care for.
Some ferns can grow really large and can live a long time – I’ve seen a photo of one that is 54 years old!
Caring for your Boston fern
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lighting
The fronds on the Boston fern are quite delicate and so leaving it in direct sunlight is likely to damage the leaves. Best to place it where it can receive indirect sunlight.
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watering
If you overwater the Boston fern you're going to end up with a dead plant. Don't confuse humidity with watering - keep the air humid around it but don't let the plant sit in water or the soil become soggy. Check it regularly and try not to let the soil dry out – it's best to keep it moist.
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humidity
The Boston fern requires a lot of humidity which is why it's a good choice for the bathroom. You might also want to mist it from time to time and especially so during the winter when your central heating will be on and the air likely to be drier.
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feeding
You can feed your plant with plant fertiliser once a month or even less frequently during spring and summer.
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temperature
The plant will do better in cooler conditions. Normal room temperature is fine but make sure that you don't place it next to a radiator. If it is near a radiator, make sure to mist the plant more often as the air will be drier due to the heater.
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pests
Check your plant regularly for spider mites and mealy bugs as they can attack ferns.
First aid for your Boston fern
Common problems
The Boston fern's leaves have turned yellow.
This can mean that the plant isn't getting enough humidity. Try misting the plant regularly or standing it on some pebbles in a saucer of water so that the roots don't sit in the water but the humidity is increased.
Need some more help?
Do you own this plant and have any tips to offer?
Is your plant not doing too well and you'd like some advice on how to help it?
Why not ask others for help or leave some advice below.