How Do You Keep A Boston Fern Alive In Your House?

Boston ferns thrive in bright, indirect light. Excessive shadow can cause sparse fronds that aren’t their usual vivid color. Furthermore, too much sun might cause the fronds to burn. So, both outdoors and indoors, make sure your plant does not receive direct sunshine.

Soil: Organically rich, loamy soil with adequate drainage is ideal for these ferns. Poorly drained soil can induce root rot, which can eventually destroy the plant. Use a peat-based potting mix for Boston fern plants in containers.

Water: It is critical to keep the soil mildly damp (but not saturated) at all times when growing Boston ferns. If the soil dries up, the fern’s leaf will quickly dry out and fall off the plant.

Watering should be reduced significantly throughout the fall and winter months because the plant is not actively developing. However, if you observe the fronds drying out, increase the amount of water you give the plant.

Temperature and Humidity: Boston ferns thrive in temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are unable to withstand high heat or cold.

Temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as temperatures below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, might be harmful to them. Boston ferns require high humidity as well.

They flourish in humidity levels above 80%. Set your fern on a tray filled with water and pebbles to increase the humidity surrounding it.

Also, spray the plant on a regular basis. If it doesn’t get enough humidity, the tips of the fronds will turn brown, which can gradually cover the entire frond (and plant) if the humidity isn’t increased.

Fertilizer: From spring until early fall, feed your Boston fern once a month with a half-strength liquid houseplant fertilizer. During the late fall and winter months, no fertilizer is required.

How do you propagate a Boston fern?

It is not difficult to propagate Boston ferns. Boston fern propagation can be performed by the use of Boston fern shoots (also known as Boston fern runners) or by dividing Boston fern plants.

Simply pull the Boston fern runner from the base of the plant with a gentle tug or cut with a sharp knife for propagating Boston fern plants.

It is not necessary for the offset to have roots because it will form roots anywhere it comes into contact with soil. If the offset was removed by hand, it can be planted right away; however, if the offset was cut from the parent plant, lay it aside for a couple of days to let the cut to dry and heal up.

Boston fern shoots should be put in a container with a drainage hole in sterile potting soil. Plant the stalk just deep enough to keep it upright and lightly water it.

Cover the propagating Boston ferns with a clear plastic bag and place them in bright indirect light at 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (16-21 C.). Remove the bag when the branch begins to show fresh growth and continue to maintain damp but not wet.

Dividing Boston Ferns plants

Boston fern plants can also be propagated by dividing them. Allow the fern roots to dry out slightly before removing the Boston fern from its pot. Slice the fern’s root ball in half, then quarters, and lastly eighths with a large serrated knife.

Trim everything except 1 12-to-2-inch (4 to 5 cm.) of roots to fit in a 4- or 5-inch (10 or 12.5 cm.) clay container. Cover the centered new ferns roots with a piece of broken pot or a rock and add some well-draining potting material.

If the fronds appear unhealthy, they can be cut to display the newly emerging Boston fern branches and fiddleheads. Maintain a moist but not damp environment (put the container atop some pebbles to absorb any standing water) and watch your new Boston fern baby grow.

How do you revive a Boston fern?

Underwatering, low humidity, and excessively hot or cold weather are the three most typical causes of this fern dying.

To resuscitate a fern that has lost its leaves, it is necessary to improve the climatic conditions by increasing humidity, watering more frequently so that the soil is continually moist, and keeping the temperature between 65- and 75-degrees F. New leaves should begin to sprout.

Using a humidifier, raise the humidity to 50%. The most effective technique to boost humidity around your fern is to use a humidifier, and some humidifiers allow you to set the exact humidity so that you can accurately simulate the greater humidity conditions of the fern’s tropical original environment.

Mist your fern every day and place it near other potted plants. If you group many plants together, you can create a humid microclimate that is more conducive to the survival of your dying fern. Misting helps to prevent water loss from the leaves, allowing your fern shoulder to begin to regenerate.

Water the fern as needed to keep the soil constantly and evenly moist. There is no general suggestion for a watering regimen for ferns because watering varies depending on the size of the fern and the humidity of the space.

To revitalize your fern, keep the temperature between 65°F and 75°F during the day and slightly cooler at night. Higher temperatures produce increased evaporation, increasing the danger of leaf drop, while low temperatures harm tropical ferns.

Keep your fern away from heat sources, air currents, and drafts. The proper degree of humidity is required for your fern to revive, therefore keep it away from draughts and away from artificial heat, both of which can sap moisture from the leaves.

How often should I water my Boston fern?

The first tip is that these plants adore water! Many people are afraid about overwatering their ferns, but Boston ferns demand water and require daily watering when grown outside, especially on hot summer days. It’s a good idea to water your fern twice a day on extremely hot days.

When you consider that their natural environment is lush rainforests with plenty of humidity, moisture, and shade, it’s easy to see what climatic conditions they prefer to achieve the best outcomes.

A simple approach to see if your hanging basket needs watering is to carefully pick it up and weigh it as an indicator of its need for water.

Light indicates that it requires water, while heavy indicates that it is not yet ready to be watered. Ferns prefer moist but not soggy conditions.

This is a terrific advice for any hanging baskets because the water requirements of plants vary depending on their size, variety, and weather conditions.

What do you do with Boston fern runners?

Boston fern propagation can be performed by the use of Boston fern shoots (also known as Boston fern runners) or by dividing Boston fern plants.

Boston fern runners, or stolons, may be removed from a mature parent plant by taking the offset whose runners have grown roots where they come into contact with the soil. As a result, the Boston fern shoots form a new plant.

Historically, early central Florida nurseries grew stock Boston fern plants in beds of cypress-covered shade houses, with the goal of eventually harvesting Boston fern runners from older plants to breed new ferns.

Once gathered, these Boston fern shoots were wrapped in newspaper, either bare-rooted or potted, and delivered to the market’s northern reaches.

Stock plants are still preserved in climate and environmentally controlled nurseries where Boston fern runners are harvested (or, more recently, tissue-cultured) for reproducing Boston fern plants in the present period.

Why is my Boston fern turning brown?

Poor soil, insufficient drainage, a lack of water or humidity, too much light, too much salt, or just mechanical harm can all cause Boston fern browning. If your cat chews on the leaves, the tips will darken and die.

Alternatively, if you fertilize too frequently and don’t leach the soil, the salt buildup will discolor the fern. Because there are so many different causes, get rid of the cat and the fertilizer, look at where the plant lives, and then focus on your care.

Watering may also be a factor. The plant requires continuous water as well. To prevent brown fronds on Boston fern, keep the medium evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Will a Boston fern survive outside?

The Boston fern is a luxuriant, traditional plant prized for its lacy, vivid green fronds. When planted inside, this low-maintenance plant exudes elegance and sophistication.

Although Boston fern is commonly planted as a houseplant, it thrives outdoors in USDA zones 9 to 11. With enough moisture, the plant may be able to endure dry climates. The fern may be killed to the ground by frost, but it will recover in the spring.

In gardens, Boston fern requires partial to full shade or dappled, filtered light. This makes the plant a fantastic choice for dark, wet places, where it will provide a splash of color where few other plants will flourish.

How do you care for a variegated Boston fern?

Varnished ferns are varieties of Boston ferns that come in a range of colors. The variegation is caused by the presence of different size leaves or by colors within single leaves.

Most variegated ferns, however, are genetically variegated plants that have been selectively bred to create a wide spectrum of colors within each fern.

This unique fern can be kept inside or outside. In fact, the Boston Fern makes a lovely hanging plant. Inside, it prefers filtered, indirect sunlight at any window that receives diffused light.

Commonly, these Boston ferns are grown inside in bright, indirect sunshine, away from drafty doors and heating vents. Provide as much humidity as possible, and keep a close eye on the soil to ensure plants stay constantly moist.

As long as the pot does not sit in standing water, you can place the plants on pebble trays filled with water. You might alternatively sprinkle the plants with room-temperature tap water or use a humidifier.

How do you clone a Boston fern?

Simply pull the Boston fern runner from the base of the plant with a gentle tug or cut with a sharp knife for propagating Boston fern plants. It is not necessary for the offset to have roots because it will form roots anywhere it comes into contact with soil.

If the offset was removed by hand, it can be planted right away; however, if the offset was cut from the parent plant, lay it aside for a couple of days to let the cut to dry and heal up.

Boston fern shoots should be put in a container with a drainage hole in sterile potting soil. Plant the stalk just deep enough to keep it upright and lightly water it.

Cover the propagating Boston ferns with a clear plastic bag and place them in bright indirect light at 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (16-21 C.). Remove the bag when the branch begins to show fresh growth and continue to maintain damp but not wet.

How do you take care of a large Boston fern?

Just like any other plant, ferns need water, sunlight, and the right temperature in order to thrive. It’s important for Boston fern plants to have a humid environment, so it’s best to use a tray filled with pebbles and water when watering them.

This will help keep the humidity level high around your Boston fern plants. If you don’t have room for a tray, you can always put some pebbles in a saucer filled with water.

You can also ask your local nursery to give you watering containers for your Boston fern plants. It’s essential to keep the soil moist at all times, especially in winter. For the best results, water it at least once a week.

To ensure that your fern plants have the right temperature and humidity levels, mist them daily during colder months or keep them away from drafts.

When should you repot a Boston fern?

A healthy, mature Boston fern is an outstanding plant with a deep green hue and lush fronds that can grow up to 5 feet long (1.5 m.).

Although this classic houseplant requires little care, it does outgrow its container on a regular basis–usually every two to three years. It is not difficult to re-pot a Boston fern into a larger container, but time is critical.

If your Boston fern isn’t growing as quickly as it should, it may require a larger pot. Another hint is the presence of roots protruding through the drainage hole. Don’t wait until the pot has become severely root bound.

If the roots are growing in a tangled mass on top of the soil or the potting mix is so root-compacted that water flows right through the pot, it’s time to repot the plant.

Boston fern repotting is best done in the spring, when the plant is actively developing.

Why is my Boston fern drying out?

Poor soil, insufficient drainage, a lack of water or humidity, too much light, too much salt, or just mechanical harm can all cause Boston fern to dry out. Alternatively, if you fertilize too frequently and don’t leach the soil, the salt buildup will discolor the fern.

Because there are so many different causes, look at where the plant lives, and then focus on your care.

Cultural causes for a Boston fern drying out

Light – To produce the greenest fronds, Boston ferns require moderate light, although they are prone to burning on the tips if the light is too harsh. Ferns should not be placed in southern windows because the heat and light are too intense for the plant.

Temperature – Temperatures should be around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) at night and no more than 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) during the day.

Humidity – Another important aspect of Boston fern care is humidity. Misting is one approach to boost humidity, but it is only a temporary solution because the water evaporates. To boost humidity, fill a dish with pebbles and water and lay the pot on top.

Water – The plant requires continuous water as well. To prevent brown fronds on Boston fern, keep the medium evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Do I need to repot my Boston fern?

Most Boston ferns benefit from repotting every two to three years, while certain fast-growing ferns may necessitate more frequent repotting. Several indicators indicate that your fern requires a larger housing.

If a fern grows too large for its container, Boston fern roots can usually be seen growing through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

Other indicators include soil drying up faster than usual and a slower growth rate of leaves, even when the fern is fertilized. In severe circumstances, the plant wilts immediately after watering because the pot is so densely packed with roots that water flows directly through the drainage hole.

A fern with weak roots may cause the container to fracture. Before this happens, it’s a good idea to repot the plant.

How big can a Boston fern grow?

The popular name for Nephrolepsis exaltata, a species of fern with many tiny, sword-shaped leaves, is Boston fern. Boston ferns are also known as sword ferns, ladder ferns, and boss ferns.

Boston ferns flourish as both indoor and outdoor plants, especially in warm, humid regions such as Florida. A Boston fern looks beautiful in a hanging basket on a partially shaded porch.

Boston ferns mature to be around two to three feet tall and broad. You can keep this perennial plant alive for years if you take excellent care of it.

How much does a Boston fern cost?

The popular name for Nephrolepsis exaltata, a species of fern with many tiny, sword-shaped leaves, is Boston fern. Boston ferns are also known as sword ferns, ladder ferns, and boss ferns.

Boston ferns flourish as both indoor and outdoor plants, especially in warm, humid regions such as Florida. A Boston fern looks beautiful in a hanging basket on a partially shaded porch.

This fern ranges in price from $8 to $15 depending on its size and the quality of the specimen. Purchasing a Boston fern involves a small investment, but if you take excellent care of it, this plant can last for years.

Is a macho fern the same as a Boston fern?

Because of its look, the Macho Fern can be mistaken for the Boston Fern. It’s no surprise that some people refer to the Macho Fern as “a Boston fern on steroids.”

The main distinction between the two is that the Macho fern is larger than the Boston fern. The fronds of the Macho fern are similarly larger, with bolder, brighter, and longer leaflets. The fronds of Boston ferns are smaller and contain fewer leaflets. They are a blue-green color.

What are the runners on Boston fern?

The Boston fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata bostoniensis) is a dependable, old-fashioned charmer with cascades of elegant, deep green fronds.

The Boston fern is a tropical plant that survives with little care; yet, light requirements for Boston ferns are crucial for optimum growth.

Boston ferns are propagated in one of two ways: runners or division.

Runners will grow from the plant and eventually produce roots. Stolons are the name given to these runners. These can be removed from the base of the old plant and replanted in sterile potting soil. From the stolon, it will grow a new plant.

Can Boston fern survive in shade?

Boston ferns are one of the most adaptable plants available. They can be grown indoors all year and outside during the warmer months.

Boston ferns thrive in indirect light. Excessive shade can cause sparse fronds that aren’t their usual vivid color. Furthermore, too much sun might cause the fronds to burn. So, both outdoors and indoors, make sure your plant does not receive direct sunshine.

Can I cut back a Boston fern for the winter?

While routine trimming of discolored or unsightly foliage can be done at any time, heavy pruning is best done in the spring or summer. Pruning is best done during repotting, when plants can be drastically reduced in size. Boston fern, in fact, reacts well to rigorous pruning, which fosters more prolific, bushy growth while correcting dull, lanky growth.

Boston ferns are deciduous in the winter and will die back in cold weather. The leaves will turn brown and fall off, just like the leaves on a maple tree.

To keep your Boston fern healthy during the winter, it’s a good idea to cut it back before the temperatures drop for good. Cut back about one-third of the plant to allow new growth in spring.

Can I grow Boston fern in water?

To effectively grow ferns in water, keep the plant and its roots in a vase or a glass bowl filled with water.

Your fern plant in water will grow the best if it receives at least a couple of hours of soft morning sun and bright indirect light every day. Regularly change the water.

How Do You Grow Ferns in Water?

• While dividing the plant, choose a part. It must have roots and fronds.
• Submerge the roots in running water and gently remove any potting medium. Remove any damaged or decaying roots as well.
• Place the plant in a vase or a glass bowl. To hold the roots in place, add stones or gravel. This will also aid the plant to stay in place. Fill the container with non-chlorinated water!
• Don’t let the gravel cover the fern’s upper fronds and leaves.

Can you propagate Boston fern in water?

It is possible to grow Boston fern in water but this method is not popular.

Propagating Boston ferns in water is achievable, but they are susceptible to root rot.

To effectively grow ferns in water, keep the plant and its roots in a vase or a glass bowl filled with water. Your fern plant in water will grow the best if it receives at least a couple of hours of soft morning sun and bright indirect light every day.

Regularly change the water.

Does a Boston fern need to hang?

Boston ferns are innocent of commitment. They thrive in many different conditions, are easy to care for and require very few daily care requirements. They are also low maintenance, so they definitely make a good choice if you want to use minimal outdoor space and still enjoy the look of ferns in your garden.

Boston fern plants tend to grow quite big, reaching around 4 to 6 inches (10 – 15 cm) high and around 2 feet (60 cm) tall. This can be a very imposing sight in a small garden. Boston ferns can hold their own, however, and are lovely flamboyant plants for a more urban or homely garden.

Boston ferns can be kept in pots, or they can be planted in the ground. Plants that have been grown in a pot may need pruning to keep them looking neat and tidy.

How do I get rid of caterpillars on my Boston fern?

More than 12,000 unique plant species are classified as pteridophytes, which include ferns and fern allies.

As different as pteridophytes are, the ferns often used for residential landscaping have a few characteristics in common: they’re easy to grow, require little upkeep, and are rarely harmed by pests. In addition to scale and aphids, a rare caterpillar infestation is possible.

Treatment: Pesticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal proteins act as caterpillar repellents and are safe to use on ferns, however they may leave a harmless white residue on the leaf.

Apply these pesticides to your ferns when you buy them and again in the early summer. According to North Carolina State University, a spray composed of pyrethrum powder and laundry soap may also be effective in controlling caterpillars.

Bifenthrin also controls caterpillar infestations on ferns, but this restricted pesticide must be applied by a certified pest control company.

How do I make my Boston fern dormant?

Boston ferns appreciate some tender loving care. They prefer warm, humid weather. They also don’t like temperature extremes, whether they come from the outside or from drafts, air conditioners, and heating vents inside.

To keep this fern dormant, if you don’t have enough light to overwinter a Boston at your home, you can place the plant in its pot in a garage, cellar, or outdoor building where the temperature does not fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Light is not required, but once a month irrigation is.