How to Buy a Boston Fern

Your Guide to buying the best Boston Fern

Overview

A Boston Fern is a beautiful and delicate flowering plant that is popular for use as a houseplant. It is known for its lush, dark green foliage and its ability to thrive in humid conditions. When selecting a Boston Fern, it is important to consider the size, location, and care needs of the plant in order to ensure its health and longevity. This guide is designed to provide an overview of the key factors to consider when buying a Boston Fern, as well as tips and advice to help ensure that you get the most out of your plant.

Key features

  • Size - Boston Ferns range in size from small, tabletop plants to larger floor-standing specimens. Consider the size of the pot the fern will be planted in and the space available in your home.
  • Light Requirements - Boston Ferns require bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun exposure to prevent the leaves from burning.
  • Watering Requirements - Boston Ferns prefer moist, but not soggy, soil. Water enough to keep the soil moist, but not so much that it becomes waterlogged. Mist the leaves regularly to keep the humidity level high.
  • Fertilizer - Feed your Boston Fern with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Use a fertilizer labeled for indoor plants or use a slow-release fertilizer.
  • Containers and Soil - Choose a potting mix that drains quickly and is formulated for indoor plants. Containers with drainage holes and saucers are recommended to prevent waterlogging.
  • Pests and Disease - Boston Ferns are susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and other common houseplant pests. Check the plant regularly for signs of pests and disease.

See the most popular Boston Fern on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Low Maintenance: Boston Ferns require little maintenance and can survive with minimal light and water.
  • Long-Lasting: They can last for many years, with proper care.
  • Air Purification: The Boston Fern is known for its ability to remove toxins from the air.
  • Esthetically Pleasing: The fern has lush, bright green fronds that make an attractive addition to any home or office environment.

Cons

  • Lighting Requirements: Boston Ferns require bright, indirect sunlight. If the plant is placed too close to the window, it will become dry and wilted.
  • Water Requirements: Boston Ferns need to be watered often to prevent drying, but not so much that the soil becomes constantly saturated. Over-watering can cause root rot.
  • Temperature Requirements: Boston Ferns prefer temperatures in the range of 60-80°F (16-27°C). Temperatures outside of this range can cause the ferns to become stressed and weakened.
  • Humidity Requirements: Boston Ferns require a high humidity level in order to thrive. If the air is too dry, the fronds will turn brown and crisp.
  • Fertilizer Requirements: Boston Ferns do not require a lot of fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can cause the fronds to burn.

Best alternatives

  1. Spider Plant - A flowering perennial with long thin, variegated leaves in shades of green, yellow, and white.
  2. Golden Pothos - A trailing plant with heart-shaped, glossy leaves in a bright yellow-green color.
  3. Peace Lily - An evergreen perennial with lush, deep green foliage and white blooms.
  4. Philodendron - A tropical plant with glossy, heart-shaped leaves in shades of green.
  5. Fiddle Leaf Fig - An evergreen with large, glossy leaves in a deep green color.
  6. Snake Plant - A succulent with long, thin leaves in shades of green, yellow, and white.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Potting Soil - Potting soil made for Ferns, because they require moist and nutrient-rich soil.
  • Fertilizer - A fertilizer specifically meant for ferns, in order to keep them healthy and growing.
  • Humidifier - A humidifier to increase humidity levels in the room where the fern is kept.
  • Terracotta Pot - A terracotta pot with proper drainage holes to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged.
  • Water Can - A water can for watering the fern.
  • Pruning Shears - Pruning shears for trimming the plant to manage its size.
  • Misting Bottle - A misting bottle for regularly misting the fern.

Common questions

  1. What is a Boston Fern?
    A Boston Fern is a species of fern native to Central America, the West Indies, and parts of the southeastern US, known for its distinct lacey foliage. The plant is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.
  2. How do I care for a Boston Fern?
    Boston Ferns prefer well-drained but moist soil and indirect sunlight. They should be watered regularly as the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings. Fertilizing should be done every 4-6 weeks with a fertilizer specifically designed for ferns.
  3. What type of potting soil should I use?
    A good-quality, well-draining potting soil is best for a Boston Fern. A mix of peat moss, compost, and perlite will help create the ideal soil conditions for the fern.
  4. What type of lighting is best for a Boston Fern?
    Boston Ferns prefer indirect sunlight, however they can tolerate some direct sunlight as well. A bright area that does not receive too much direct sunlight is best.
  5. How often should I water my Boston Fern?
    Boston Ferns should be watered regularly but not too often. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and do not let it become soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is best to err on the side of caution.
  6. Are Boston Ferns toxic to pets?
    Boston Ferns are generally non-toxic to both cats and dogs, however it is best to keep all plants out of reach of pets.

Trivia

Boston Ferns, also known as Sword Ferns, are an extremely popular houseplant and were named after the city of Boston. They are native to many tropical and subtropical climates around the world, but were brought to the United States in the 1800s. One interesting fact about Boston Ferns is that they were given as gifts to newly-wed couples in Victorian England. In the Victorian era it was believed that the plant's lush fronds brought luck and prosperity into the home. This superstition is still believed by some today! Another funny fact about Boston Ferns is that, contrary to popular belief, they do not require a lot of care. In fact, they can actually thrive with minimal maintenance and occasional misting. Source: https://www.thespruce.com/boston-fern-care-4850579

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.