Hello! I am a Boston Fern, and I thrive in an environment that reminds me of my natural home on the forest floor. This means I adore bright, indirect light. Please, never place me in direct, harsh sunlight, as it will scorch my delicate fronds and leave me with unsightly brown, crispy tips. A north or east-facing window is my favorite spot. I also prefer a consistently cool to moderate temperature, ideally between 65°F and 75°F (18°C - 24°C). Keep me away from hot radiators, air conditioning vents, and drafty doors, as sudden temperature changes cause me great stress.
As a tropical plant, humidity is not just a preference; it is the very essence of my being. The average home air is too dry for me and will cause my leaves to turn brown and drop. To keep me lush and green, please mist my fronds regularly with lukewarm water, place my pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (ensure my roots are not sitting in the water), or consider using a humidifier nearby. When it comes to watering, I like my soil to be consistently moist but never soggy. Water me thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and always allow excess water to drain away completely. I am very particular about this—soggy soil will suffocate my roots and lead to a fatal case of root rot.
My roots need a light, airy, and well-draining potting mix to breathe and absorb nutrients effectively. A high-quality peat-based potting mix is perfect for me, as it retains just enough moisture without becoming waterlogged. During my active growing season in spring and summer, I get quite hungry. To support the growth of my beautiful, arching fronds, please feed me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks. I do not require any fertilizer during the fall and winter when my growth naturally slows down.
Even with the best care, some of my older fronds will naturally turn yellow or brown over time. To keep me looking my best and to encourage new growth, please gently prune these away at the base using clean, sharp scissors. I also appreciate being groomed; a quick, gentle shake will help remove any old debris. As I grow, I will eventually become pot-bound. You will know it’s time to repot me when my roots start to circle the pot or grow out of the drainage holes. Please move me to a new container that is only one or two inches larger in diameter, using fresh potting mix to give my roots a new home to explore.
