Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

How to grow and care for Boston fern

Light

Boston fern sword fern likes bright indirect light.

Temperature

Water 

Water a lot, but keep it airy. Avoid water stagnation which will cause root rot.

Humidity

The best humidity for Ficus reticulata is above 70%.

pH

Boston fern, ideal pH range is 5.0 - 7.0 pH.

Some characteristics of Boston fern

Leaves: Both fertile and sterile leaves are pinnate. There are numerous leaflets, or pinnae, measuring 40–100 mm (1.5–4 in) on each side of the leaf axis. Each pinnae is oblong, lanceolate, with an auricle overlapping the rachis.

Roots: Orange/brown to light brown, straight scales with hairs similar to root tips. Stems are straw colored and produce small underground tubers. The presence of tubers distinguishes it from other Florida wood ferns.

Similar species - Fiddle Leaf Fern

The bonsai fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) is very similar to the cultivated and introduced Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata). The two species can be distinguished by the following minor differences:

The sword fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) has cotyledons with overlapping 'leaflets' (i.e. leaflets) at the base. Small flaps of tissue (i.e. indusia) cover its reproductive structures (i.e. sori) which are broadly kidney-shaped (i.e. reniform). It typically produces round, fleshy, underground tubers.

The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) has leaves with non-overlapping 'leaflets' (i.e. leaflets). The small flaps of tissue (i.e. indusia) covering its reproductive structures (i.e. sori) are roughly circular (i.e. near-orbital). It does not produce any underground tubers.

Picture of mature Boston fern