A fern species in the family Lomariopsidaceae is the Boston fern, sometimes referred to as the sword fern. There are over 30 tropical variants of this perennial herbaceous plant, which is indigenous to tropical areas of the world. A common species of fern used to adorn homes and balconies is the Boston fern. Because of how fast it grows, it is also a common houseplant.
The most common indoor plant is the Boston fern, which requires specific care to remain healthy. It’s not hard to care for a Boston fern, but it requires particular knowledge. You can give your Boston fern everything it needs to be healthy and attractive by following the care instructions shown below.
What is a Boston Fern?
The sword fern and fishbone fern are other names for the Boston fern. This is the best option if you want to add a touch of woodland design to any room. These plants flourish in hanging baskets with their delicate fronds gently draping over the sides of their pots. It may grow from 6 inches to five feet long, making them a fantastic choice for a humid bathroom.
Boston ferns are ferns, so they have particular specific demands, but if you put them in the appropriate spot. This one is renowned for requiring far less upkeep than other fern varieties. Although they are most frequently cultivated inside as hanging houseplants, they may also thrive outside zones 9 to 11 under the right circumstances. These are frequently far more difficult to handle, especially for novice plant parents.
Care Instructions for a Boston Fern

Lighter style
Boston ferns benefit significantly from lots of indirect light. They’ll be hanging out in bathrooms or on porches with some morning sun when they’re happiest. However, the afternoon light is prone to scorching their fronds, especially in hotter areas. Make sure Boston Ferns are indoors where they can get shade so they don’t get too much direct sunlight.
Fertilizer
To grow happy and healthy, Boston ferns want to receive fertilization twice a year! When they grow the most in the spring and summer, it is essential to feed your plants to give them the push they require. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer specially created for indoor plants, and make sure to dilute it as directed on the product. Avoid putting fertilizer on the leaves and fronds to prevent the chemicals from harming the plant.
Humidity
Boston ferns can withstand water very well. Inserting a wooden skewer into the soil to feel for moisture ensures that the pot dries out between waterings completely. Whenever you water them, be careful to water them thoroughly. Before placing them back on their saucer, ensure the pot is entirely drained. To avoid rotting, empty the saucer if you see it filling up with water by emptying it or drying it with a towel. Put your plant close to a humidifier or mist it sometimes if it isn’t in a humid area, such as a bathroom.
Propagation
You can decide to attempt division-based Boston Fern propagation in the spring. Water the plant the night before you attempt. Unpot the plant next, and gently remove all of the dirt from surrounding the roots. Once the clump is clean, divide it with a sterilized knife or pair of scissors so that each new plant has enough roots and many leaves.
After being divided, report the fern in a pot 2 inches larger than the root ball using indoor peat-based potting soil supplemented with a rooting hormone. Place a transparent plastic bag over them and mist the interior to create a greenhouse-like atmosphere as they root in bright, indirect light.
Cleaning
Trimming ferns’ browning or discolored leaves is excellent for their health; cut the stem down to the base. If possible, avoid chopping the top. You may use a moist cloth to brush away any dirt from the leaves carefully, or you can spray them with water to assist. To mimic the rain that would wash them off in their natural environment, you may gently water them in the bathtub or shower.
Growing Boston ferns

Electricity and pots
Boston fern plants need indirect solid sunlight, so it’s ideal for situating them in space. It receives medium indirect light indoors or in a somewhat shaded area of your garden. As long as you maintain Boston ferns in direct bright sunshine, you may plant them in the garden. In light of this, the plant will flourish outside in an area like a porch or under a pergola. It will get morning shade and afternoon filtered sunshine.
Boston ferns grow best when planted in hanging baskets and larger, taller pots that enable their long fronds to hang down. Additionally, viable options are plant stands and raised garden beds. The plant is perfect for a container garden full of color and texture. Even though it will add height to any landscape, always choose a pot with drainage.
Temperature & Humidity
For Boston ferns, a warm, humid climate is ideal; therefore, throughout the winter, you could see the leaves become crispier. The plants like temperatures that don’t drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or rise over 95 degrees.
Due to its dampness, the bathroom is perfect for Boston ferns. To maintain a high level of humidity inside, you may also mist the plant with water or use a humidifier. If necessary, you may move your Boston fern indoors throughout the winter.
Maintenance in general for Boston ferns
There are a few standard maintenance procedures to keep in mind to give Boston fern plants the essential care they require to flourish. Keep a watch out for creepy crawlies because they may significantly harm these plants, no matter how small. Similarly, dusting the leaves will keep the plants clean and wholesome.
Remember that there is probably nothing wrong with your plant if you notice black spots appearing in a pattern on the underside of the leaves. These are most likely the spores of the Boston fern. Boston ferns benefit from fertilizer every four to six weeks during the warmer months while plants are growing.
For the correct method, adhere to the instructions on your fertilizer. You should divide or repot them every few years in the spring. To avoid overfertilizing throughout the winter, reduce this timetable. Additionally, to promote new growth and maintain the plants’ happiness and health.
Conclusion
Because of their hardness, Boston ferns can withstand heat, drought, and cold. With particular care to prevent frost damage and maintain their health, they may be carried over from one season to the next if necessary. While this isn’t the ideal method for growing ferns, it’s a terrific technique to keep plants from going to waste.
Also read: Kalanchoe Plant and Its Benefits – How Can You Grow and Care for It?