Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'
- Light
- Bright indirect; tolerates medium indirect with slower growth
- Water
- Every 3-5 days; keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy)
- Soil
- Peat-based or coco-coir mix that holds moisture
- Temperature
- 18-24°C (65-75°F); avoid heating-vent drafts
- Humidity
- 60-80% — Boston ferns drop fronds below 50%
- Growth habit
- Arching cascading fronds from a central crown
- Mature size
- 60-90 cm (2-3 ft) wide and tall
- Pet toxicity
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Watering baseline: ~4 days between waterings, in a 6-inch pot, medium light, spring growth, normal household humidity, and standard potting mix. The full guide's watering estimator adjusts the interval for your specific pot, light, season, humidity, and soil.