Deutsch
العربية
中文
Français
English
Español
Italiano
TürkçeBoston fern
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis' · Houseplant
A classic fern with long, arching fronds that looks best in a hanging basket. It is easy going about light but fussy about moisture: dry air and dry soil turn it crispy fast. Steady humidity keeps it lush for years.
.png){kind=link}
💧WaterWhen the surface starts to dry, about twice a week (estimated)
☀️LightBright, indirect
🐾PetsNon-toxic
Care at a glance
- Light
- Bright, indirect light; no hot direct sun
- Water
- Keep soil lightly moist, never soggy
- Soil
- Peat-free, airy potting mix rich in organic matter
- Temperature
- Best 60–75 °F; keep above 50 °F
- Pot size
- 6–10 in pot or basket to start
- Pot
- Drainage hole required; hanging baskets work well
- Growth
- Steady; new fronds through spring and summer
- Lifespan
- Perennial; many years with care
When?
Repot or divide in spring, when new fronds start to unfurl. It can spend summer outdoors in shade once nights stay above 55 °F; bring it back before nights drop below 50 °F (estimated).
Step by step
- Place near a bright window but out of direct midday sun.
- Water when the surface just starts to feel dry; never let the root ball dry out completely.
- Raise humidity with a tray of wet pebbles, a humidifier or grouping with other plants.
- Feed with a diluted balanced fertilizer once a month from spring to late summer.
- Cut off brown or bare fronds at the base to make room for new growth.
- Divide crowded plants in spring by slicing the root ball into two or three pieces.
- Keep away from heaters and cold drafts.
Common problems
Brown, crispy frond tipsAir too dry or soil dried out; raise humidity and water more steadily.
Yellowing fronds and limp growthOften soggy soil; let the top layer dry slightly and check drainage.
Small leaflets dropping indoorsCommon after a move or in winter; keep conditions stable and it recovers.
Pale, washed-out colorToo much direct sun; move to softer light.
Pets
Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Chewed fronds may still cause a mild upset stomach. If in doubt, ask your vet.
Related tools
Similar plants
Sources
This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.