Boston Fern: Growing Nephrolepis exaltata

Featuring ruffled, sword-like, lime-green fronds, Boston fern creates an eye-catching display in a hanging basket. It also looks good cascading from a perch, such as from the top of a bookcase or entertainment center.

Botanically known as Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis,’ Boston fern has been around for more than 100 years. The species from which Boston Fern comes from originates from a fern that is native throughout Florida and can be found around the Pacific Rim in tropical areas.

The Boston Fern was discovered in a shipment of 200 plants back in 1894. The shipment was going from a Philadelphia florist to F.C. Becker, a florist in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Becker noticed the plant, which was unusual in that it had wider fronds than many other ferns and an attractive hanging habit, instead of upright, stiff fronds. He singled out the plant and began propagating it.

Two years later, London botanists identified the plant as Nephroplesis exaltata and suggested naming the cultivar ‘Bostoniensis’ because it was discovered near Boston by Becker and propagated by him.

To have luck with Boston fern, keep the following growing tips in mind.

Provide proper lighting for Boston Fern

Boston ferns do best in an unobstructed northern window that receives medium, indirect light throughout the day, or in an eastern-facing window that gets morning light. Avoid placing Boston fern in a south- or west-facing window, as such locations are generally too bright and will burn the plant’s foliage.

Watch room temperature 

Like most ferns, Boston fern requires a room temperature between 65 to 75 degrees in the day and 10 degrees cooler at night. If temperatures are higher, the plant may do okay but will require more frequent watering. Temperatures below 65 degrees for extended periods of time tend to result in stunted or slow growth.