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The pale- to medium-green fronds can grow up to 4 feet long and 6 inches wide. There are two rows of round sori (clusters of spore-bearing organs; ferns are seedless vascular plants that produce spores instead of seeds) near the margins on the underside of the pinnae.
Do Boston ferns grow fast?
The foliage of this fern remains evergreen. Its sword-shaped, blue-green fronds with many tiny leaflets are erect and arch as they grow larger. Like several other fern species, the Boston fern is a fairly slow grower and is best planted in the fall or spring.
How big do Boston ferns get indoors?
–Boston Fern (Nephrolepis)–also known as the ladder or sword fern; has long, delicate fronds and light green foliage; grows from 10 inches to three feet, depending on cultivar; ideal for hanging baskets; fern may drop leaflets, especially if too dry, making this a “messy” plant to grow; some newer dwarf compact.
Are Boston ferns hard to care for?
Compared to other types of ferns, the Boston offer gardener’s easy maintenance and good growth during the spring and summer season. While some species might never recover from neglect, the Boston fern is very hardy, and some water and fertilizer are all you need to return it to its former glory.
How long can Boston ferns grow?
Boston Fern Characteristics In those habitats, the Boston type can grow to 7 feet tall, but probably won’t surpass a height of 3 feet in a container. The plant’s sword-shaped fronds bend as they mature and can reach 3 to 4 feet long under optimum conditions.
How do you make Boston ferns bushy?
An ideal time for pruning is during repotting, when plants can be dramatically cut back. In fact, Boston fern responds well to severe pruning, which encourages more prolific, bushy growth and corrects dull, leggy growth. When pruning Boston fern always use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Do Boston ferns come back every year?
Like many other varieties of semitropical plants, Boston fern grows as a perennial in warm climates, but won’t overwinter in areas that experience freezing temperatures. In cold climates, you must bring this type of fern indoors or grow it as an annual.
Are Boston ferns good house plants?
Equally at home on a wrap-around porch or in the living room, Boston ferns are incredibly popular houseplants. Grow Boston ferns indoors in bright, indirect sunlight or outside in filtered shade.
Can a Boston fern live in a bathroom?
They’ll do well on a bathroom shelf, where they can enjoy the humidity. This typically fussy plant adores humidity, so the bathroom is actually your best bet if you want to display it indoors. Boston ferns also need high light levels, and they drop leaves often, so be prepared to pick up after them.
Where is the best place to put a Boston fern?
Boston ferns do best when receiving indirect, filtered sunlight. If they’re outdoors, place them somewhere where they will get sunlight through tree branches, or cracks in a porch roof. If they’re indoors, place them near a window.
How do you take care of a fern hanging basket outside?
Ferns in hanging baskets tend to dry out quickly and require more frequent watering, especially during the summer months. Be careful not to overwater during the winter. Feed a fern in a hanging container every month during spring and summer using a balanced, water soluble fertilizer mixed to half strength.
Can I put my Boston fern outside?
Today, Boston fern is still a top pick for indoor and outdoor settings. But, because Boston fern can grow 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, it are often a better choice for outdoor situations. In zones 9-11, Boston fern can be planted directly in the ground. Here’s a plant that lives up to its name.
Should I mist my Boston fern?
Boston ferns need a cool place with high humidity and indirect light. When you care for Boston fern plants indoors, it’s a good idea to provide additional humidity for them, especially in the winter. You can also try lightly misting your fern once or twice a week to help it get the humidity it needs.
How do you know when to repot a Boston fern?
When to Repot Boston Ferns Don’t wait until the pot is badly root bound. If the potting mix is so root-compacted that water runs straight through the pot, or if the roots are growing in a tangled mass on top of the soil, it’s definitely time to repot the plant.
Can you divide a Boston fern?
Propagation may also be achieved by dividing Boston fern plants. First, allow the fern roots to dry out a bit and then remove the Boston fern from its pot. Using a large serrated knife, slice the fern’s root ball in half, then quarters and finally into eighths.
Can a Boston fern survive the winter outside?
Those in subtropical zones without frost and freezing temperatures can learn how to overwinter a Boston fern outdoors. In USDA Hardiness Zones 8b through 11, it’s possible to provide outdoor winter care for Boston fern.
How often should Boston ferns be watered?
Boston ferns should be watered as often as necessary to keep the growing medium slightly damp at all times. Depending on your climate, this may involve watering anywhere from every 2 to 3 days or once a week. During the growing season, water at this frequency.
How do I make my fern greener?
Most ferns grow best in full or dappled shade. Adequate shade will produce lush, dark green foliage. We recommend 65% to 75% shade, depending on your location. (Less may be needed in the winter when the days are shorter.)Jul 15, 2010.
Why are the tips of my Boston fern turning brown?
Boston fern browning may be caused by poor soil, inadequate drainage, lack of water or humidity, too much light, excess salt, or simply mechanical injury. If your cat tends to chew on the leaves, the tips will turn brown and die.
