Boston Ferns

  

 

 Picture from Lowes.com. 

     Boston Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) ,with USDA hardiness zones 9-10 (this means it can be outside year around in these zones), is another easy plant to care for. They enjoy temperatures around 65-95 degrees F. This applies to both inside and outside. As long as the temperatures stay in this range, you can leave the fern outside. 
     Boston ferns, like most ferns,can only handle around 3 to 5 hours of sun. If it is in a location that gets more sun (5+hours) trying rotating daily, so one side isn't always burning in the direct sun. 

      Pruning is simple, just clip the long strands that hang from the base of the plant. Try planting in a hanging basket. If this is not an option try to keep the plant elevated with a plant stand or table.

      Unlike most plants, Boston ferns will tell you when they are thirsty. Typically, Boston ferns are a dark deep green, but when thirsty they will fade to a pale green. Once it does this, it is time to water. But during the warmer months, it doesn't hurt to water it every day, they love it!

     Boston ferns have been know to live for decades, so be prepared to have it for a while. For more causal gardeners, you can just buy them every spring. 

    


    Feel free to leave comments or questions. I have a lot to learn myself, but i have had great success with the above information. Later, once I learn how, I will post on how to split them to make more! Thanks. 

       -Wesley