Boston Fern Nephrolepis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffles'
ABOUT
The plant known as Fluffy Ruffles, is a distinctive fern with a lush and textured appearance. Its fronds are long and arching, with a feathery look that makes the plant seem soft and dense. Each frond is comprised of numerous small, finely divided leaflets that are intricately patterned and wave along the stem. What sets Fluffy Ruffles apart from other ferns is its fronds' deeply ruffled or crinkled texture, giving them a fluffy, voluminous look, as suggested by the name. The leaflets are often bright to medium green, creating a vibrant splash of color for indoor or shaded outdoor areas. This fern tends to have a graceful, overflowing habit, making it popular for hanging baskets and plant stands. The overall effect of the Fluffy Ruffles fern is that of a delicate and ornate living decoration that adds a touch of elegance and a feeling of serenity to its environment.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Boston Fern, Sword Fern, Fluffy Ruffles Fern, Fishbone Fern, Boston Sword Fern, Wild Boston Fern, Tuber Ladder Fern, Tuberous Sword Fern, Erect Sword Fern.
Common names
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffles'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Boston fern is non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects from ingesting any part of the Boston fern, therefore it is generally considered safe to have within a home or garden around adults and children.
To pets
The Boston fern is also non-toxic to pets. If ingested by cats, dogs, or other household animals, it should not cause any harmful symptoms of poisoning. Boston ferns are commonly recommended as a pet-safe houseplant because they pose no known risk if pets nibble on their fronds.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Fern
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Tropical regions
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Aesthetics: The 'Boston Fern' adds lush greenery and textural interest to any indoor or outdoor space with its unique 'Fluffy Ruffles' fronds.
- Humidity Regulation: As a tropical plant, it releases moisture into the air through transpiration, helping to maintain indoor humidity levels.
- Stress Reduction: The presence of plants like the Boston Fern in living spaces has been associated with reduced stress levels and a calming effect on individuals.
- Easy Maintenance: Boston Ferns are relatively easy to care for, requiring only consistent moisture and indirect light, making it suitable for many living environments.
- Adaptability: It can easily adapt to various light conditions, though it prefers indirect, bright light; it can survive in lower light levels as well.
- Non-toxicity: The Boston Fern is considered non-toxic, making it safe for homes with pets and children.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The fronds of the Boston Fern 'Fluffy Ruffles' can be used as a natural form of mulch in garden beds, slowly decomposing and enriching the soil with organic matter.
- Its dense fronds can serve as a privacy screen when placed in multiple pots on balconies or patios, offering a green barrier between neighbors.
- For photographers and artists, the textured and lush fronds can create a vibrant green background or base for still-life compositions.
- Boston Fern 'Fluffy Ruffles' is often used in reptile and amphibian terrariums to simulate a natural environment and provide hiding spots.
- As a prop in theater and film productions, this plant can be utilized to add greenery to indoor scenes or to accentuate an outdoor or jungle-like setting.
- The thick fronds can be utilized in floral arrangements as filler greens to provide volume and a contrasting texture to flowers.
- In craft projects, the small leaflets can be pressed and dried to create bookmarks or included in a nature collage.
- During festive seasons, Boston Fern 'Fluffy Ruffles' can be decorated with fairy lights or small ornaments to serve as a living holiday decoration.
- These ferns can be used in pet-friendly homes as a non-toxic plant option for pet owners concerned about animals nibbling on indoor greenery.
- When large enough, the Boston Fern 'Fluffy Ruffles' can act as a natural room divider for creating distinct areas within open-plan living spaces or studio apartments.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Boston fern is commonly used in Feng Shui as it is believed to purify the air, add humidity, and create a sense of balance and peace. Place it in areas that require energy or air purification, such as the living room or near electronic devices to counteract their negative ions.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Boston fern is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purification: Nephrolepis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffles', commonly known as the Boston Fern, is believed to purify the air, removing pollutants and creating a cleaner and healthier environment.
- Humility: Due to its modest appearance and simple needs, the Boston Fern can symbolize humility and the ability to thrive in various conditions without fuss.
- Secret Bond: In the Victorian era, ferns were often given as a secret symbol of bond between two people, indicating a private, unspoken understanding or connection.
- Sincerity: The Boston Fern's lush green foliage and straightforward growth habit symbolize sincerity and a genuine, straightforward nature.
- Shelter: Since ferns often grow in shady, forested areas, they can symbolize shelter, protection, and the provision of a safe haven.
- Eternal Youth: Ferns have a long-lasting quality and often appear youthful due to their bright green, vibrant fronds, making them a symbol of eternal youth and regeneration.
- Happiness: With their lush foliage and ability to add life to indoor spaces, Boston Ferns are often associated with happiness and a sense of comfort and homeliness.
WaterThe Boston Fern should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be about once or twice a week, depending on the humidity and temperature of your home. It's important not to let the soil dry out completely, as Boston Ferns prefer a humid environment. Each watering session should involve slowly pouring water evenly across the soil until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. On average, this might equate to around half a gallon every week, but always adjust according to the plant's response and environmental conditions.
LightThe Boston Fern thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the fronds, so it’s best to place it near a window with a sheer curtain or in a room with diffused light. East or north-facing windows are typically ideal spots for the Boston Fern, as they offer plenty of light without the harsh midday sun.
TemperatureBoston Ferns prefer temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive in a range as wide as 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal conditions mimic their natural tropical habitat, so keeping the fern in a room within this temperature range will promote healthy growth. Avoid sudden temperature changes and drafts, which can stress the plant.
PruningPrune the Boston Fern to remove any brown or yellow fronds, which helps the plant conserve energy and encourages new growth. The best time to prune is in the spring, just before the new growth period. Lightly trimming the plant every few months will keep it looking full and healthy, and can be done by snipping the fronds at the base with sharp scissors.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffles') thrives best in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter, such as a combination of peat or coco coir, perlite, and bark. A pH range of 5.0 to 5.5 is ideal for this plant. The soil should retain moisture but also allow excess water to drain to prevent root rot.
RepottingBoston Ferns should be repotted every 1-2 years to ensure they have enough space for growth and healthy roots. Repot in spring before the growing season begins, using fresh soil mix to replenish nutrients and maintain proper drainage.
Humidity & MistingBoston Ferns thrive in high humidity environments, with ideal conditions ranging from 50% to 80% humidity. They enjoy environments such as well-lit bathrooms where the humidity is naturally higher, or they can be misted regularly.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Place in shaded area; protect from direct sunlight.
Hardiness zone
10-12 USDA
Life cycleThe Nephrolepis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffles', commonly known as the Boston Fern 'Fluffy Ruffles', begins its life cycle as a spore, which germinates in moist, warm conditions to form a prothallus. The prothallus, or gametophyte, is a small, heart-shaped structure that houses both male and female reproductive organs. Once fertilization occurs, the zygote develops into a sporophyte, which is the fern's familiar leafy stage. The sporophyte grows fronds that uncurl from a central rhizome in a process called circinate vernation. As the plant matures, specialized structures known as sori form on the underside of the fronds, containing sporangia which will eventually release new spores. This cycle continues as the spores spread, find suitable conditions to grow, and begin the life cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Boston fern, specifically the Nephrolepis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffles', is best propagated through division, a process ideally undertaken in the springtime. This involves taking the plant out of its pot and gently dividing the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has a sufficient amount of roots and fronds. After division, each section can be potted separately in fresh potting soil, ideally in a standard peat-based mix. The newly potted divisions should be kept moist and placed in indirect light, where they will begin to grow and establish themselves as separate plants. Care should be taken not to disturb the roots too much during the division process to give the plant the best chance of thriving in its new pot.
