Boston Fern

Although ferns are a category of plant, ‘Fern’ is not a genus. Instead, the name fern describes any non-flowering plant with leaves which run along either side of the stem. These divided leaves are called fronds. Although ferns don’t bear flowers (they reproduce via spores!), this doesn’t mean that they can’t be a lively addition to an apartment or home. A well cared-for fern can be a truly zen thing to behold, with vivid green leaves and an arching shape reminiscent of a shelter or a waterfall. Because fern isn’t a genus, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ for caring for them and an experimental plant owner won’t have a lot of luck trying to cross-pollinate for a ‘Frankenstein Fern’. However, plenty of ferns are kind plants for new owners, proving themselves hardy and easy to grow.

Boston Fern

Botanical Name: Nephrolepis Exaltata

Known colloquially as both the Boston Fern and the Sword Fern, Nephrolepis Exaltata is native to tropical regions all over the world. As well as being herbaceous, the Boston Fern is also evergreen and perennial, which means that it is a plant that will endure every season for many years, if properly cared for.

The Boston Fern’s fronds are layered over each other, making it a particularly complex and intriguing plant. This effect is enhanced in some plants whose fronds may hang down from the pot but is present even in plants with upright leaves.

The Boston Fern can grow to have very large leaves, sometimes as long as 98 inches, but its many leaflets, arranged symmetrically to one another along the length of the frond, are much smaller, growing to a maximum length of around three inches. These leaflets are relatively triangular, and occasionally appear to curve inwards at their point. The Boston Fern has a uniform bright green colouring.

The Boston Fern appreciates a relatively moist soil with plenty of nutrients. However, although it likes a fairly moist soil, it is drought-resistant; a consistently soggy soil will be to its detriment. This means that watering should occur regularly, but the pot should be drained soon afterwards. As a tropical plant, the Boston Fern needs humidity to be over 80%, meaning it should be misted regularly and – for those in particularly dry areas – kept in a pebble tray. A Boston Fern kept on a balcony will want full shade, as these plants are prone to sunburn – indoors, however, keeping it near a window which provides bright light will prove to be the best option.