Boston Fern | Lush Green Sword Fronds Houseplant

Boston Fern

1 Gallon

$49.00

$49.00 $0.00

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Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

A classic, arching fern with bright green fronds, perfect for hanging baskets and purifying indoor air.

$49.00

$49.00 $0.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Boston Fern is a classic, elegant evergreen fern that has been a beloved houseplant and garden accent for generations. Prized for its lush, arching fronds of bright green, sword-shaped leaflets, it creates a soft, feathery, and cascading mound of foliage that brings a timeless, tropical feel to any space. This fast-growing plant is exceptionally well-suited for hanging baskets, where its fronds can spill over gracefully, or as a lush, textural ground cover in warm, humid shade gardens. While famous as a low-maintenance indoor plant, it is also a stunning choice for shaded patios and woodland borders in frost-free climates.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Lush, arching, feathery fronds (3-4 ft long) composed of numerous small, bright green, sword-shaped leaflets (pinnae). It does not produce flowers or seeds, reproducing via creeping rhizomes and spores.
Mature Height: 3-4 ft (frond length)
Mature Spread: 3-4 ft (clump-forming, spreading by rhizomes)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 10-11 (grown as a houseplant or annual elsewhere); Sunset 8, 9, 12-24, H1, H2
Light Requirement: Bright, indirect light to partial shade (protect from direct sun)
Core Benefits: Classic, elegant arching fronds, excellent air purifier, perfect for hanging baskets, easy to propagate, low-maintenance indoors.
Best Uses: Hanging baskets, indoor houseplant, shaded patios, woodland gardens (frost-free zones), mass plantings as ground cover, terrariums (dwarf varieties).

Q: Why are the tips of my Boston Fern turning brown?
A: Brown, crispy leaf tips are most often caused by low humidity, underwatering, or salt buildupfrom tap water or fertilizer. To fix, increase humidity by misting or using a pebble tray, water more consistently, and flush the soil occasionally with distilled or rainwater to remove salts.

Q: How often should I water my Boston Fern?
A: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly and consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again. During the active growing season (spring and summer), this may mean watering every few days. Reduce watering slightly in winter.

Q: How much light does a Boston Fern need indoors?
A: It thrives in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal. A north-facing window can work, but growth may be slower. Protect it from harsh, direct southern or western sun, which will scorch the delicate fronds.

Q: Is the Boston Fern safe for pets?
A: Yes, the Boston Fern is considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs. This makes it an excellent and safe choice for households with curious pets, unlike many other common houseplants.

Q: Can I put my Boston Fern outside in the summer?
A: Yes, you can! Boston Ferns love to spend the summer outdoors in a shady, protected location. Place it on a covered porch, under a tree, or in a shady corner of the patio. The increased humidity and fresh air will often cause it to put on a burst of lush new growth. Just be sure to bring it back indoors before nighttime temperatures drop below 50-55°F (10-13°C).

Q: How do I propagate a Boston Fern?
A: Propagation is very easy by division in spring. Gently remove the fern from its pot and use a clean, sharp knife to cut through the root ball and rhizome, separating a clump of fronds with a healthy root system. Pot the new division into fresh, well-draining potting mix and keep it evenly moist until established.