Boston Fern care
Nephrolepis Exaltata Bostoniensis
One of the most popular pet-friendly low-light plants, the Boston Fern grows best in medium indirect light and is one of the most low-maintenance fern types — as long as you keep it humid.
Light
Bright to medium indirect light is the sweet spot. It'll tolerate lower light but grows sparse and sheds fronds there.
Avoid direct sun entirely — it scorches the delicate fronds brown.
Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Boston ferns drink a lot and dry out fast — in a warm, dry room you may water twice a week.
Never let it sit in a saucer of standing water, or the roots will rot.
Soil & pot
A rich, peaty, well-draining potting mix holds the moisture ferns love while still draining. A drainage hole is required.
Humidity & temperature
This is the make-or-break for Boston ferns: they want high humidity. Crispy, shedding fronds almost always mean the air's too dry. Mist daily, use a pebble tray, or keep it near a humidifier.
Keep it 65–75°F and away from heating vents and cold drafts, both of which dry it out.
Propagation
Divide a mature fern at the roots when repotting, or root the little runners it sends out along the soil. Both methods are reliable.
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Common boston fern problems
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