Boston Fern (5603)

The Boston fern has graceful, medium-green, drooping fronds.  This plant prefers a humid environment.  If the edges of leaflets turn brown, it probably means the humidity is too low.  You can try standing the pot on a pebble tray.  Put an inch or two of gravel in a flat waterproof tray, and keep enough water in the tray so you can see it through the pebbles.  Stand the fern pot on the pebbles so the evaporating water raises the humidity around the plant.  Be careful that the pot does not stand in water.  A good place for this plant would be a tabletop or desk out of the full sun, but near enough to a window that the plant would receive moderately bright light.  These ferns are attractive and often seen as hanging plants.

Boston ferns need high light, yet cool temperatures.  A range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is the best.  It’s a good practice to allow the soil to try out partially between waterings.  When the plant is watered, the excess water should run out the bottom of the pot.

Runners will develop at the base of the plant.  These may be removed and potted into smaller pots.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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