Boston Ferns

With its beautiful arching and trailing green fronds, it is no wonder Boston is one of the favorite of the ferns.  The key to a happy Boston fern is humidity.  Misting daily is your best bet.  The Boston fern is relatively easy to grow, but will not tolerate abuse. 

Secrets of Success:

• Temperature:  Average warmth, cool but not cold nights are best.  If you put your ferns outside it is best to put them in a protected area where they don't get the hot, dry summer winds.
• Light:  Despite what some people might tell you, the Boston fern does not like shade and does not like full sun.  A nice spot with indirect light is your best bet.  If you are putting it outside choose a spot where it is protected from our hot, dry afternoon sun.
• Water:  The soil must be kept moist at all times.  This doesn't mean soggy, this will only lead to rot.  Don't ever let your Boston fern dry out.  Reduce watering in the winter.
• Humidity:  Moist air is a must for your Boston fern.  Mist regularly and religiously for best results.  Another way to provide humidity is by grouping plants together, or placing your plant on a tray of moistened pebbles. 
• Repotting:  Repot in spring when the roots fill the pot.  Boston ferns like for their roots to be a little crowded, so don't worry too much about repotting.  Just use your own discretion and repot when you see roots coming out of the bottom of the pot, or if the plant has had a lot of growth.
• Fertilizer:  Boston ferns do require regular fertilization during their growing season.  Miracle-Gro® or Peters® are two good fertilizers for your fern.  Follow manufacturers recommendations. Fertilization can be cut back in the winter.

Problems:

• Yellowing fronds:  Usually because the air is too warm.  Don't put your fern close to a heat duct or in the afternoon sun.
• Yellowing & Wilting:  Probably this is improper watering.  The plant has more than likely been allowed to dry out.
• Yellowing fronds & brown tips:  The air around your plant is too dry.  Try misting daily or placing your plant on a pebble tray.  Dry air can also cause your plant to produce no new growth.
• Pale fronds & scorch marks:  Too much sun is most likely the cause of this.  Protect your fern from the hot afternoon sun.
• Pale fronds & weak growth:  Not enough fertilizer.  Ferns need fed, especially during the growing season.

Pest Control:

• Although Boston ferns are considered generally pest free, aphids, mealy bugs and mites are the most common insect problems.  A good spray with water will usually dislodge any insects on the plant.  Safer soap is a good organic control for these insects on your fern.