Plant Care Guides / Indoor / Moderate Care
The Boston fern is one of the most recognisable houseplants in the world, with its fountain of long, arching, feathery fronds spilling from a pot or hanging basket. When it is happy, it is lush, full and absolutely beautiful. The challenge is that it lets you know immediately when it is not happy, usually by dropping leaves all over the floor.
A Boston fern in a hanging basket in a bright bathroom is the classic combination, and for good reason: the humidity keeps it lush and the hanging position shows off its shape. Some leaf shedding is normal, especially in winter when growth slows. A light trim of straggly or yellowing fronds in spring keeps it looking tidy.
Bright, indirect light. It copes with medium light, but growth thins out. Avoid direct sun, which burns the delicate fronds, and avoid deep shade, where it will get sparse and sad.
This is where the Boston fern earns its moderate rating. Keep the soil evenly moist at all times, never dry, never waterlogged. Check it every couple of days. And it needs humidity. In a dry room it will shed fronds relentlessly. Mist daily in dry weather, stand it on a pebble tray, or keep it in a naturally humid room like a bathroom or laundry.
Feed every two to three weeks through spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength.
Repot in spring when it outgrows its pot. Use a rich, moisture-retaining mix with good drainage. Boston ferns like a slightly snug pot, which helps keep the root zone moist without waterlogging.
Ask about availability. We keep a changing range of indoor plants. WhatsApp us to see what is in store, or pop in and we will help you choose.
