Nephrolepis exaltata
ABOUT
Commonly known as the Boston fern, this plant is characterized by its elegant, arching fronds that gracefully drape from the main body of the plant. Each frond is composed of small, leaflet-like structures that line its length, giving it a feathery appearance. These leaflets have slightly serrated or toothed edges and a fresh green color that can brighten up any space. The Boston fern's fronds can grow to be very long, and they typically have a delicate, lace-like look that adds a touch of refinement wherever the plant is displayed. Its overall form is lush and voluminous, creating a verdant cascade that makes it an attractive choice for hanging baskets or elevated plant stands. The Boston fern has a robust and bushy appearance, with numerous fronds emerging from the central base, which add to its full and vibrant look.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nephrolepidaceae
Synonyms
Boston Fern, Sword Fern, Wild Boston Fern, Tubercle Fern, Boston Sword Fern, Fishbone Fern
Common names
Aspidium exaltatum, Nephrodium exaltatum, Nephrolepis biserrata, Polypodium exaltatum, Davallia exaltata, Nephrolepis rivularis, Nephrolepis cordifolia, Aspidium cordifolium, Nephrolepis tuberosa, Nephrolepis cordata, Nephrolepis cordifolia, Nephrolepis pectinata, Nephrolepis acuta, Nephrolepis barbata, Nephrolepis exaltata var. bostoniensis, Nephrolepis exaltata var. hibernica.
ToxicityTo humans
The Boston fern is considered non-toxic to humans. Generally, ingesting this plant does not cause poisoning or serious symptoms in people. However, it's always prudent to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption.
To pets
The Boston fern is also non-toxic to pets including cats and dogs. Ingesting this plant should not lead to poisoning or severe health issues. However, it's important to note that consuming plant material can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in some animals, even if the plant is not toxic.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Fern
Hardiness zones
9-11
Native area
Tropical regions of the Americas
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Aesthetics: The Boston Fern adds lush greenery and a tropical feel to indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Humidity Regulator: The fern naturally increases humidity in its immediate environment, which can be beneficial for preventing dry skin and respiratory ailments due to dry air.
- Noise Reduction: The dense foliage can help absorb noise, contributing to a quieter and more serene atmosphere.
- Ease of Care: Boston Ferns are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for novice gardeners or as a low-maintenance household plant.
- Companion Planting: When planted outdoors, Boston Ferns can coexist with other shade-tolerant plants to create a diverse and attractive garden landscape.
- Reduces Stress: Interacting with or tending to plants like the Boston Fern has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote a sense of well-being.
- Increases Oxygen Levels: Through photosynthesis, the Boston Fern contributes to the oxygen content of its environment, which is beneficial for indoor air quality.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural humidifier: The Boston fern releases moisture into the air through a process known as transpiration, which can help to maintain humidity in a room.
- For creating topiaries: Skilled gardeners can shape Boston ferns into decorative forms or letters by guiding their growth with wire frames.
- In terrariums: Due to its ability to thrive in high humidity and indirect light, the Boston fern is a popular choice for terrariums and bottle gardens.
- In hanging baskets: The cascading nature of the Boston fern's fronds makes it ideal for display in hanging baskets, both indoors and outside on porches or in shaded areas.
- As acoustic panels: The dense foliage of Boston ferns can absorb sound, making them useful in living spaces for reducing noise levels.
- For pet enrichment: Cats in particular may enjoy the texture and bounce of the fronds, though it's important to ensure they do not eat the plant, as it may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
- In floristry: Boston fern fronds are often used as greenery in floral arrangements for their lush appearance and long-lasting freshness.
- As a natural backdrop: The Boston fern can be used in photography, stage sets, or event decoration to create a green, lush backdrop or setting.
- For educational purposes: Boston ferns can be used in schools for teaching about the life cycle of ferns, plant biology, and horticulture.
- As a living Christmas decoration: During the holiday season, some people choose to decorate Boston ferns with lights and small ornaments for a unique and live alternative to traditional Christmas trees.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Boston Fern is commonly used in Feng Shui to purify the air and bring a sense of peace and tranquility into the home. It is ideal for placing in the east part of a room for health and family or the southeast area for wealth and abundance.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Boston Fern is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purification: The Boston Fern, like many ferns, is known for its air-purifying qualities, making it symbolic of cleansing and improving the environment around it.
- Privacy: Due to its dense foliage, it is often used to create a sense of seclusion and privacy, symbolizing the comfort and solace found in personal space.
- Secret Bond: Ferns have been considered a symbol of secret bonds of love and friendship, where the fronds represent the discretion of hidden thoughts or messages.
- Eternal Youth: In some cultures, ferns symbolize eternal youth, due largely to their green, lush appearance and ability to propagate easily, suggesting vitality and renewal.
- Shelter: The Boston Fern, with its overhanging fronds, can symbolize protection and the provision of shelter, offering a sense of safety and comfort.
- Humility: Ferns grow in humble places, often in the shade and not in direct sunlight, which can symbolize modesty or an unassuming nature.
WaterThe Boston fern requires consistent moisture but doesn’t like to be soggy. It's best to water the plant thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once every 7 to 10 days, depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment. During each watering, use enough water to ensure that it runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot; this might amount to about a quart for a medium-sized fern. In dry or hot periods, check the soil moisture more frequently, as Boston ferns may require watering twice a week.
LightBoston ferns thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the fronds. A spot near a north-facing or east-facing window usually offers the ideal light conditions, or behind a sheer curtain if situated near a south or west-facing window. Too little light can result in sparse fronds and poor growth.
TemperatureBoston ferns prefer a temperature range of 60°F to 75°F during the day and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F, as cold conditions can damage the plant. They thrive in typical indoor temperatures but keep them away from drafts, heating vents, and abrupt temperature changes for optimal health.
PruningLight pruning can maintain the Boston fern’s shape and remove any yellowing or damaged fronds. However, extensive pruning is often not necessary. The best time to prune is in spring before new growth begins. Only prune as needed, which may only be once a year, to remove dead or unsightly foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Boston Fern thrives in a well-draining soil mix consisting of one part loam, one part peat, and one part sand or perlite. The optimal pH for the Boston Fern is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.0 to 7.0.
RepottingBoston Ferns should generally be repotted every 2-3 years, or when the rhizomes begin to crowd the pot. Repot in spring before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingBoston Ferns prefer high humidity levels, ideally around 50-60%. They thrive in moist but not wet environments, so maintaining consistent humidity is key for their health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Boston Fern in indirect light, keep soil moist, and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Grow Boston Fern in shade, protect from wind, and maintain moist soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) begins its life cycle when spores located on the undersides of mature fronds are released into the environment. Once they land in suitable, moist conditions, the spores germinate and grow into a small, heart-shaped gametophyte called a prothallus. This gametophyte supports sexual reproduction, where sperm swim to fertilize eggs that develop into new sporophytes—the leafy fern plants we recognize—completing the sexual phase. The juvenile sporophyte grows from the gametophyte, eventually developing roots, fronds, and becoming independent. As the fern matures, its fronds become large and arching, capable of photosynthesis and supporting the plant's growth. Over time, these fronds produce sporangia, typically on their undersides, starting the cycle anew when conditions allow for spore release and dispersion.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is best propagated during the spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. The popular method involves dividing the plant's root ball. To propagate by division, you carefully remove the fern from its pot and use your hands or a knife to divide the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a portion of the root system attached. These divisions can then be potted into individual containers filled with a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. The new plants should be placed in a warm, humid environment with indirect light to encourage growth. Over time, the divisions will establish their own root systems and begin to produce new fronds, growing into independent and healthy Boston ferns.
