Species Boston fern
Green leaves with buds black midrib and brown  stems

Boston fern

Nephrolepis exaltata 'Tiger Fern'

The Boston Fern, or Nephrolepis exaltata 'Tiger Fern', is an attractive, low-maintenance houseplant. Its glossy and lacy fronds look beautiful in any home. This fern species prefers humidity and bright, indirect light, and it is important to water regularly, as drought can cause it to become dry and brown. It can be grown either in soil or as a hanging basket, giving any room a classic, elegant feel.Though slow-growing, the Tiger Fern is sure to bring life and color to your home for many years to come.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Stem Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Spore Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 12

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

part shade,part sun/part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Tiger Fern') prefers consistently moist soil that is never allowed to dry out. Water your plant thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil is dry--usually about once per week--and mist the foliage daily, if possible. You can also place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, which will increase the humidity around the plant and reduce the amount of time between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause the tip of the fronds to turn brown.

sunlight

Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Tiger Fern') need plenty of indirect light to thrive, but not too much direct sunlight. A bright, indirect light for up to 6 hours a day is ideal, although it’s fine with a little less. Direct sunlight can scorch the delicate fronds of the fern. For best results, place it near an east- or north-facing window. In summer, a shady spot outside is also suitable, as long as it isn’t in the hot afternoon sun.

pruning

Boston ferns should be pruned lightly every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season (April to October). The pruning should only involve removing fronds that are yellowing or wilting. Brown tips can also be clipped off to help the plant look its best. Boston ferns can also be pruned back at the end of the growing season when new growth begins in the spring. Pruning should only remove up to 1-third of the growth.

Hardiness Map