Greetings, human. I am a Boston Fern, *Nephrolepis exaltata* 'Bostoniensis' to the botanists among you. I appreciate your inquiry about my life outdoors. The answer is nuanced, as my very being is shaped by the environment. Let me explain from my perspective.
My ancestors hail from the humid, dappled-light understories of tropical forests in regions like Florida and Central/South America. This is the core of my being. I did not evolve to withstand frost, scorching direct sun, or dry, windy conditions. My fronds are delicate, designed to capture moisture from the air and soft light filtering through the canopy. When you ask if I can live outdoors, you are really asking if you can replicate a sliver of my jungle home in your local environment.
If you wish to move me outside, you must provide for my core needs. I require a location with bright, but indirect, light. Think of the light beneath a large tree or on a covered porch that receives ambient light but is shielded from the harsh midday sun. Direct sunlight will scorch my delicate fronds, causing them to turn brown and crispy—a truly unpleasant experience. Furthermore, I crave humidity. Dry air drains my vitality, causing my leaflets to yellow and drop. A sheltered spot, perhaps grouped with other plants or near a water feature, helps maintain a humid microclimate.
My relationship with the outdoors is strictly seasonal. I can only venture out when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C) and all threat of frost has passed. Spring and summer are my time to thrive outside. The warm, humid air and gentle rains feel like a homecoming. However, as autumn approaches and temperatures begin to dip below 50°F (10°C), I become stressed. My growth slows, and I become vulnerable. You must bring me back indoors well before the first frost, which is fatal to me.
The transition back inside is a critical time. Please check my fronds thoroughly for any insect stowaways—aphids or spider mites—and gently rinse me if needed. Place me in a bright indoor spot away from heating vents or cold drafts. I will likely go through a period of adjustment, shedding some fronds as I acclimate to the lower light and humidity of your home. This is normal. With consistent moisture and perhaps a pebble tray for humidity, I will settle in for the winter until I can feel the true warmth of spring on my fronds once more.
