Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'
Lush, arching fronds that bring the feel of a Victorian fernery into any bright, humid space.
The Boston Fern is the classic hanging fern, beloved for its full, arching fronds of soft green leaflets that spill gracefully from baskets and shelves. Native to tropical forests and humid areas in the Americas, it is the most widely cultivated fern species in the world. The Bostoniensis cultivar is a chance mutation discovered in a shipment to Boston in 1894 — more vigorous and lush than the wild type. Boston Ferns thrive in high humidity and cool, consistent temperatures, making them ideal for bright bathrooms, kitchens, or covered outdoor areas in summer. They are pet-safe and air-purifying — a genuinely virtuous plant.
Select a size
Pot colour — see it live in the preview above
Care needs
Set a care reminder
This plant needs watering every 3–5 days. Add it to your calendar so you never forget.
This is a demo store — no real purchase will be made.
Care guide
Care tips
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged — check daily in summer. Mist fronds or use a pebble tray filled with water to maintain humidity above 50%. Boston Ferns dislike central heating; move them away from radiators and heating vents. During the growing season, feed fortnightly with a diluted liquid fertiliser. Remove any brown or dead fronds at the base to encourage new growth.
Common issues
Dropping fronds and yellowing is the most common issue, typically caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering. Brown, crispy frond tips signal dry air — increase humidity immediately. The plant will naturally shed older fronds, especially in winter or when moved indoors from outside. Scale insects can appear on frond undersides; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.