Boston Fern

Boston Fern

5 Gallon
$49.00
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Boston Fern
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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
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Description

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.

Quick Facts

  • 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).

Faqs

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.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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