A bright bathroom is often the easiest spot in the house for this genus, purely because of the ambient humidity.
Care
No direct sun, which scorches the fine fronds.
Likes consistently moist compost and high humidity; one of the thirstier common houseplants.
Peat-free, moisture-retentive but well-drained houseplant compost.
Trim off browning fronds at the base; a hard cutback in spring can rejuvenate a tired plant.
A dilute balanced feed monthly in the growing season — ferns are easily scorched, so half the recommended strength is the safe rule. Dry air browns the fronds far more often than a missed feed.
Divide the crown at repotting in spring, cutting it into sections that each keep fronds and roots. Some plants also send out short runners that root into the compost and can simply be detached.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- MarchRepot every 1-2 years into fresh compost. how ›
- AprilLight monthly feed through the growing season. how ›
- JuneMist regularly or stand on a pebble tray — humidity is the single biggest factor in success with this genus.
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchRepot every 1-2 years into fresh compost. how ›
- AprilLight monthly feed through the growing season. how ›
- JuneMist regularly or stand on a pebble tray — humidity is the single biggest factor in success with this genus.
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchRepot every 1-2 years into fresh compost. how ›
- AprilLight monthly feed through the growing season. how ›
- JuneMist regularly or stand on a pebble tray — humidity is the single biggest factor in success with this genus.
Months based on climate: Central Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchRepot every 1-2 years into fresh compost. how ›
- AprilLight monthly feed through the growing season. how ›
- JuneMist regularly or stand on a pebble tray — humidity is the single biggest factor in success with this genus.
Months based on climate: Southern Italy and islands. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. From low humidity or dry air.
What to do. The most common problem — increase humidity, keep away from radiators.
How to spot it. From overwatering combined with poor drainage.
What to do. Improve drainage.
Questions
Boston fern: is it hardy?
H1b: Tender, needs above 10°C. It survives above 10 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
A classic bathroom or kitchen houseplant, thanks to its love of humidity.
Boston fern: when do you prune it?
Trim off browning fronds at the base; a hard cutback in spring can rejuvenate a tired plant.
When do you feed it?
A dilute balanced feed monthly in the growing season — ferns are easily scorched, so half the recommended strength is the safe rule. Dry air browns the fronds far more often than a missed feed. Feeding months, UK: April–September.