Boston Fern Care Guide How to Grow Beautiful Ferns Indoors
The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is one of the most loved indoor plants for its lush, feathery fronds and natural air-purifying qualities. It thrives in humid environments and adds a refreshing, vibrant touch to any home or office. Whether you’re decorating your living room, balcony, or even a kitchen space, Boston Ferns are a perfect, low-maintenance option for greener indoors. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about Boston Fern care, ideal growing conditions, common issues, and tips to keep your fern healthy and thriving.
Boston Fern is loved by gardeners and homeowners for several reasons:
Excellent Air Purifier: Ranked by NASA as one of the top houseplants for cleaning indoor air.
Beautiful Fronds: Dense, feathery foliage gives a full, elegant look.
Great for Hanging Baskets: Ideal for porches, balconies, and bright indoor rooms.
Low-Light Tolerant: Perfect for areas where other plants may struggle.
Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs (according to ASPCA).
How to Grow for a Boston Fern Indoors
Light: Prefers indirect, filtered light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Water: Keep the soil moist but never soggy. Boston Ferns love humidity!
Temperature: Ideal range is 16°C to 24°C.
Humidity: Mist the leaves daily or keep a humidity tray nearby.
Soil: Use rich, well-draining organic soil.
Moist soil Boston Fern plant
dry soil for Boston Fern Plant
Best Place to Keep a Boston Fern
Boston Ferns love bright rooms with indirect sunlight. Ideal spots include:
Near east or north-facing windows
Living rooms
Bathrooms with natural light
Balconies with filtered light
Where to Use Boston Fern
Boston Fern is highly versatile. Here are some ideal locations:
Indoors: Bright bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens, or entryways.
Outdoor shade gardens: Under trees or shaded patios.
Hanging baskets: Front porch, balcony, or windowsills.
Terrariums or greenhouses: For more tropical display setups.
Benefits of Having a Boston Fern Indoors
Natural air-purifier (removes formaldehyde, xylene)
Increases indoor humidity
Boosts mood and adds a calming effect
Safe and pet-friendly compared to other plants
✂️ Maintenance & Pruning
Remove yellow or dead fronds to encourage new growth.
Repot every 1–2 years in fresh soil to prevent root crowding.
Prune lightly to maintain shape if needed.
🛒 Purchase Details
Looking to buy a healthy Boston Fern? Here’s what to look for and how to purchase:
Plant Size: Usually sold in 6-inch to 10-inch pots or hanging baskets.
Price Range: ₹300–₹800 in India (or $8–$20 internationally), depending on size and nursery.