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Nephrolepis

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  • Indoor Plants
Boston fern (Nephrolepis biserrata var. furcans)
Photo: Jardin botanique de Montréal (Josée Bouthot)
Nephrolepis biserrata var. furcans
  • Nephrolepis biserrata var. furcans
  • Nephrolepis cordifolia
  • Nephrolepis cordifolia
  • Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'
  • Nephrolepis exaltata var. variegata
  • Nephrolepis obliterata 'Kimberly Queen'

Onglets

Botany

Origin and description

The Nephrolepis exaltata species is native to tropical regions of America. In its natural environment, Nephrolepis prefers shady, moist sites. The cultivar 'Bostoniensis', commonly known as Boston fern, has long, flowing, gracefully arching fronds with wavy pinnae.

Species, cultivars and related plants

Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis' is the source of many cultivars with finely dissected or frilly leaves.

Common name

Nephrolepis / Boston fern

Latin name (genus)

Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'

English common name

Nephrolepis / Boston fern

French common name

Néphrolépis / Fougère de Boston

Botanical family

  • Davalliaceae
Horticulture

Growing conditions

Boston fern prefers bright, but filtered indirect light, although it can tolerate low light for a certain amount of time. It does best near an east- or north-facing window. It does not like high temperatures. During the growing period (March to October), keep it preferably between 18 and 20ºC and in winter, if possible, lower the temperature to 12 to 15ºC. Provide it with high humidity, especially when the temperature rises above 20ºC.

Easy to grow?

This fern is fairly easy to grow if you give it fairly good humidity. It does not, however, tolerate low light conditions for too long.

Watering and fertilizer

During the growing period, water well to keep the rootball moist, allowing only the surface of the soil to dry out between waterings. Cut back on watering in winter but never allow the soil to dry out completely. Use water at room temperature. Fertilize monthly during the growing period with a balanced indoor plant food or an all-purpose fertilizer like 20-20-20 at half strength. Stop feeding in winter.

Pruning and maintenance

To prevent rot or disease from developing, cut yellow or dried out fronds back down to soil level. If the plant is very dense, remove some fronds at the base to open up the crown.

Repotting

Repot Boston fern in spring every two years or when the roots fill the pot. Use a slightly acidic, light and well-draining potting mix rich in organic material. You can use a potting mix consisting of peat moss, orchid mix, and perlite or coarse sand. Be careful not to damage the very fragile roots.

Propagation

By division and stolons.

See also

Pests and diseases
  • Pseudococcus adonidum

    Scales (Indoor)

    The scale insect superfamily (Coccoidea) includes several genera of sucking insects capable of damaging indoor plants. Most of them are tropical, non-hardy species, but they adapt very well to our homes.

Physiological disorders
Symptoms Possible causes Solutions

Leaf tips yellow and dry

Air too dry

Increase humidity
Place pot inside another larger pot filled with damp peat moss
Mist daily

Fading without any apparent reason

Unsuitable environmental conditions

Cut the fern back and place it in a warm, humid room

Leaves drop off

Not enough water (dry soil) Overwatering (moist soil)

Immerse pot in water until bubbling stops, then drain 
Cut back on watering