Boston-type Ferns (Nephrolepis) Boston, Fluffy Ruffles, Roosevelt,Whitman and Dallas
Tips for Growing Healthy Boston Ferns What are the light requirements for Boston ferns? While they like lots of light, it must be filtered or indirect. Avoid direct afternoon sun.
How much water do they need? In spring and summer while they are actively growing, they use quite a bit of water and need to be evenly moist. In late fall and winter, they like to dry out a little between waterings. When possible, use distilled water.
Do they have any special temperature requirements? In winter, ferns can tolerate temperatures as low as 55º and in summer they like it around 75-80º. They can tolerate hotter weather if they receive adequate water and humidity.
Do Boston ferns need much humidity? Frequent misting or running a humidifier are very important for ferns. When possible, mist with distilled water. This huge family of ferns offers a vast array of fascinating plants used for generations to beautify indoor living spaces. One of the best and easiest to grow for indoor use is the Boston fern. The term 'Boston' is applied to several species of genus Nephrolepis. The specific plant
called Boston fern is Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'. Given that they are tropical (Zone 10) plants, it seems unusual for them to be named after a city that is far from tropical in climate. The original plant was actually found in a shipment of ferns to Boston back in 1894. Since then, over 50 distinctive varieties of this wonderful fern have
been named. What sets them apart from other ferns is their compact growth and arching fronds. Sometimes they are also referred to as sword ferns. Some of the more interesting varieties of this type of fern are the true Boston, Fluffy Ruffles, Roosevelt
and Dallas. True Boston ferns are known for their full growth and long, arching fronds (leaves) that look great in a basket or planter. Fluffy Ruffles is a version that has finely dissected leaves with a soft, feathery appearance. Roosevelt ferns are a bit more upright and their fronds look like a cross between Fluffy Ruffles and Boston. One of the newer, more exciting developments in the world of Boston ferns is the miniature
version called the Dallas fern. To select a healthy Boston-type fern, look for plants with good shape and color. There should be new, young growth emerging in the center of the plant. Ferns should fill out the pot they are growing in and be fully rooted to the edges of the soil.
How much fertilizer do they require? When they are actively growing, fertilize Boston ferns every other week with a water-soluble fertilizer such as Bachman's Excel Gro. When they are resting in winter, cut back to once a month. To enhance their green color, water Boston ferns once or twice a year with a solution of 2 tablespoons
Epsom salts to a gallon of water.
What type of soil do they prefer? Ferns do well in a quality peat-based potting soil such as Exceloam.
When should I repot my Boston ferns? If they need a larger container, repot them in the spring just as they
begin to show signs of new growth. Take this opportunity to clean out any older, browning fronds. Be sure the new container has good drainage.
Will they need any grooming? The one drawback of Boston ferns is that they do require some grooming to keep them looking good. Damaged or browning fronds can be snipped out and older, shedding foliage underneath can be trimmed. An occasional shower helps clean off the fronds.
How are they propagated? Boston ferns can be divided to make new plants, but they aren't very quick to fill out. Rather than seeds, ferns produce spores that can take a year or two to develop into new plants.
Troubleshooting Problems with Boston Ferns What causes the fronds to turn brown on the tips? Brown tips are usually caused by hot, dry air. They can also be caused by physical damage from wind or careless handling.
When fronds look bleached out, what is the problem? Bleached out areas can be caused by too much sun. If there is healthier color lower or on the shady side, it indicates the bleached areas were the result of sunburn.
If white crusty areas develop on the fronds, what is the cause? Hard water tends to leave a calcium build up on the fronds. Use rainwater, distilled water or water from a dehumidifier.
What causes ferns to look droopy when they have enough water? If the soil is waterlogged, that can cause drooping. Make sure the plant has good drainage and does not sit with water in the saucer. Ferns grown in low humidity may appear droopy.
When leaves turn black, what is the cause? Usually this is caused by chilling. Ferns are also sensitive to leafshine and insecticides.
If all the new foliage is pale and doesn't seem to grow well, what is the cause? This is usually caused by lack of fertilizer. Be sure to fertilize every other week while it is actively growing. It may also be because it isn't getting enough light.
What causes the fern to have an overall yellow appearance? If you are feeding the fern and it still looks too yellow, try fertilizing with a solution of 2 tablespoons Epsom salts per gallon of water. Epsom salts (magnesium
and sulfur) helps acidify the soil, enabling the plant to make better use of the fertilizer.
What causes the fern to have an overall pale, almost white appearance? When the whole fern develops an ashy, pale appearance, it is probably very dry. Soak the root mass for an hour or two and let drain. Do not allow ferns to dry repeatedly between waterings.
Are there any insect problems with ferns? Ferns occasionally get brown scale on the stems. Check with our plant experts on how to handle scale or other insect problems.
Recommended Products
Quality Ferns in Various Sizes
Containers and Saucers
Exceloam Potting Soil
Excel Gro™ Fertilizers
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