Boston fern
Nephrolepis exaltata · Family Nephrolepidaceae
Also known as: fern, sword fern, nephrolepis
- Light
- Partial shade to bright indirect
- Watering
- Every 3 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Pet-safe
- Yes
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Care
Where to put it
Covered balcony or bathroom (loves humidity).
Light
Indirect light, no direct sun.
Watering
Keep the compost slightly moist at all times and mist the fronds.
About the plant
With long, arching fronds, it is the queen of hanging baskets and Brazilian verandas. It loves humidity and creates a lush, fresh look in any room. The most widely grown variety, 'Bostoniensis', was found in the late 19th century.
Origin
Native to tropical America, from the humid, swampy forests of Florida to northern South America.
What it likes
- High humidity and misting
- Indirect light or partial shade
- Moist, rich compost
What it dislikes
- Dry air from air conditioning
- Direct sun on the fronds
- Being left with dry compost
Did you know?
Like all ferns, it produces no flowers or seeds: it reproduces by spores, the little brown dots under the leaves.
Toxicity
| Cats | Non-toxic |
|---|---|
| Dogs | Non-toxic |
If any part is eaten, contact a vet or a poisons information service.
Native range
- Pacific: North-Central Pacific
- Northern America: Southwestern USA, South-Central USA, Southeastern USA, Mexico
- Southern and Central America: Central America, Caribbean, Western South America, Brazil
Climate: Tropical, Subtropical
