Why Boston ferns remain a favourite
The Boston fern has been grown as a houseplant for over a century, and its enduring popularity is entirely justified. Few houseplants fill a space with such lush, flowing greenery. The arching fronds can reach 60-90 cm on a well-grown specimen, with each frond densely covered in small, bright green leaflets that move in the lightest breeze. Hung in a basket or placed on a high surface where the fronds can cascade downward, a mature Boston fern is one of the most impressive displays available. The related Nephrolepis cordifolia and its cultivars offer similar appeal in slightly different forms.
How to care for Boston ferns
Nephrolepis thrive in bright, indirect light and high humidity - the two conditions they are most often denied in British homes. A bright bathroom is often the ideal position: good light, warmth from the shower, and higher ambient moisture. If growing in a living room or bedroom, place on a pebble tray of water to raise humidity around the plant, or use a humidifier nearby. Water regularly to keep the compost evenly moist - never allowing it to dry out completely, as dry compost causes rapid and dramatic frond drop. Feed monthly from spring to autumn with a dilute balanced fertiliser.
Solving common problems
The most common issues with Boston ferns are frond drop and brown, crispy fronds. Frond drop almost always follows a period of dry compost - once a Boston fern dries out, it sheds fronds quickly and dramatically. If this happens, place the pot in a bowl of water for 30 minutes to rehydrate the compost fully, then resume careful regular watering. Brown crispy fronds indicate low humidity, dry air from a radiator, or draughts. Trim off affected fronds, improve humidity, and move the plant away from heat sources. New fronds will emerge once conditions improve.
Other Nephrolepis varieties to try
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis' is the classic choice, but there are excellent cultivars worth exploring. 'Fluffy Ruffles' has densely ruffled, overlapping fronds with a very full, compact texture. 'Tiger Fern' has yellow-variegated fronds with an unusual striped effect. Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii' (lemon button fern) is a compact species with small, rounded leaflets and a much neater, upright habit - ideal where space is limited.
