Boston Fern (Nephrolepis): Care, Varieties, Propagation

[ГОЛОВНЕ ФОТО (прев’ю): пишний нефролепіс на високій підставці біля вікна]

Nephrolepis, the Boston fern, is the most popular indoor fern, with lush arching fronds. It's safe for cats, looks great in a hanging basket and lifts any room. There's one condition: it won't forgive dry air or dry soil. Here are the varieties, home care, propagation and why the fronds turn brown.

More on this topic: houseplants: names and care, trailing houseplants, bedroom plants.

What a Boston fern is

Nephrolepis exaltata is a tropical fern that grows on damp forest edges and even on tree trunks. Its arching fronds can reach 50–80 cm.

Like all ferns it never flowers; it spreads by spores (the brown dots under the fronds) and runners. The fabled 'fern flower' of Kupala Night is only a legend.

It is non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it's fine in homes with pets.

Popular varieties

Bostoniensis: the classic, with broad arching fronds.

Green Lady: a lush fountain of light-green fronds.

Fluffy Ruffles and other frilly types: lacy and compact but more sensitive to dry air.

Duffii (Nephrolepis cordifolia): narrow upright fronds with tiny round leaflets.

[фото: вайї нефролепісу сортів Bostoniensis, Green Lady, Fluffy Ruffles і Duffii поруч]

Boston fern care

Light: bright and indirect; direct sun scorches the fronds. East or north windows suit it.

Watering: keep the soil evenly moist. Even one complete dry-out brings a wave of crisp leaflets.

Humidity: 50% or more. Mist daily in the heating season, use a humidifier or a wet pebble tray; a bright bathroom is ideal.

Temperature: 18–24 °C, not below 13 °C; away from radiators.

Feeding: monthly, spring to autumn, with half-strength foliage fertiliser.

Repotting: in spring when roots fill the pot; use a wide, shallow pot and loose, slightly acidic mix. See how to repot a houseplant.

[фото: нефролепіс у підвісному кашпо у світлій ванній кімнаті]

Why a Boston fern turns brown

• Brown tips and dropping leaflets: dry air or dry soil. Cut dead fronds at the base and raise humidity; new ones appear within weeks.
• Old lower fronds yellowing is natural renewal; widespread yellowing with wet soil means overwatering.
• Pale, bleached fronds: direct sun.
• Cottony tufts, brown bumps or webbing mean pests; see why houseplants get sick. Neat rows of brown dots under the fronds are spores, not disease.

A living plant as a gift

Looking for a living gift that lasts for months? A potted orchid is a great choice for home or office.

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See houseplants and orchids.

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FAQ

How do I care for a fern indoors?

Indirect light, evenly moist soil and humidity of 50% or more.

Why is my indoor fern drying out?

Usually dry heated air or soil that has dried out.

Does a Boston fern flower?

No, ferns don't flower; they spread by spores and runners.

Is a Boston fern toxic to cats?

No, it is considered safe for cats and dogs.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.