Boston Fern Care Guide
Nephrolepis exaltata
Also known as: Sword Fern
Watering
Summer
Every 6 days
Winter
Every 10 days
Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. These plants hate drying out completely.
Light
Medium indirect
A few feet from a window, or north-facing
Humidity
60-80%
High humidity lover. Consider a humidifier or pebble tray.
Pet & Child Safety
Safe for pets and children
Pot & Soil
Likes a snug pot with moisture-retentive soil. Mix peat with perlite - never let the roots dry out.
Pot-size watering
The 6-10 day range is a starting point. A 5cm pot can need checking much sooner, while a 22cm pot may stay moist for longer. Keep the soil lightly moist, but check below the surface so a large pot is not staying soggy.
Prefers snug roots
This plant usually prefers a snug root zone. Size up only when roots are circling, the plant dries out much faster than usual, or growth has clearly stalled.
Soil refresh
Refresh tired or compacted soil yearly, because moisture-loving plants still need air around the roots, not dense wet mix.
Good to Know
One of the thirstiest houseplants. Loves humidity.
Frequently asked
How often should I water Boston Fern?▾
Every 6 days in summer and every 10 days in winter is the reference range. The 6-10 day range is a starting point. A 5cm pot can need checking much sooner, while a 22cm pot may stay moist for longer. Keep the soil lightly moist, but check below the surface so a large pot is not staying soggy. Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. These plants hate drying out completely.
What light does Boston Fern need?▾
Medium indirect. A few feet from a window, or north-facing.
Is Boston Fern safe for pets and children?▾
Yes - Boston Fern is safe for pets and children.
What humidity does Boston Fern prefer?▾
60-80%. High humidity lover - consider a humidifier or pebble tray.
What soil and pot does Boston Fern need?▾
Likes a snug pot with moisture-retentive soil. Mix peat with perlite - never let the roots dry out. This plant usually prefers a snug root zone. Size up only when roots are circling, the plant dries out much faster than usual, or growth has clearly stalled. Refresh tired or compacted soil yearly, because moisture-loving plants still need air around the roots, not dense wet mix.
Is Boston Fern beginner-friendly?▾
Boston Fern is a fern at intermediate difficulty - manageable with a bit of care attention.
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