Greetings, human caretaker. I am a Boston Fern, *Nephrolepis exaltata* 'Bostoniensis' to be formal. To help me thrive and display my lush, arching fronds in your home, you must understand my fundamental needs from my perspective. Here is what I require.
I do not enjoy the harsh, direct gaze of the sun. My delicate fronds are not equipped for such intense exposure; it will scorch my leaves, leaving them brown, crispy, and utterly defeated. I am a creature of the forest floor, adapted to dappled, filtered light. Please place me in a spot where I can receive bright, but indirect, illumination for most of the day. An east-facing window is ideal, as I can bask in the gentle morning sun. A north-facing window also suits me well. If you must place me near a south or west window, ensure I am shielded by a sheer curtain. My fronds will tell you if I am happy; they will remain a vibrant green and grow steadily towards the light source.
My relationship with water is one of consistent moisture, not extremes. I abhor being either parched or drowned. My roots need to reside in soil that is evenly moist, akin to a well-wrung sponge. Please check my soil daily with your finger. If the top inch feels dry to the touch, it is time for a drink. Water me thoroughly until liquid flows freely from my pot's drainage holes—this ensures my entire root system is quenched. Empty the saucer beneath me afterward; I refuse to sit in stagnant water, as it will rot my roots and lead to my demise. During the active growing season (spring and summer), I will be thirstier. In the winter, I drink less, but I still must not be allowed to dry out completely.
This is my most non-negotiable need. The dry air common in many homes, especially those with heating or air conditioning, is my greatest adversary. I crave a humid environment. Without it, my leaf tips will turn brown and crisp, and I may begin to drop my leaflets in protest. To keep me content, you must replicate the moist, humid air of my native tropics. Please consider these actions: place my pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (ensure the water level stays below the pot's base), group me with other plants to create a communal microclimate, or, most effectively, provide me with the gentle mist of a humidifier. Misting my fronds with a spray bottle offers temporary relief, but it is not a lasting solution on its own.
