Boston Fern

Nephrolepis Exaltata

£10.99

size guide

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Pot Size Pot Diameter Pot Height
6cm6cm5.5cm
9cm9cm8.5cm
1 Litre13cm11cm
2 Litre17cm13cm
3 Litre19cm15cm
4 Litre20cm17cm
5 Litre23cm19cm
7 Litre25cm20cm

Please note: the pot sizes listed below may vary due to the suppliers we use.

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Looking for something different from the usual broad-leaved houseplants? The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) brings a softer, fuller look with its long, arching fronds and delicate green leaflets. This plant grows a full, bushy mound of long, arching fronds that are lined with small, ruffled leaflets. It has been a favourite in British homes since Victorian times, when ferns were ever-present in parlours and conservatories. This tells you all you need to know about the timeless charm that this plant brings to UK households. Even today, it still looks just as good spilling over a plant stand or a hanging basket.

The Boston Fern grows best in consistently moist compost and humid conditions, making a bright bathroom or kitchen away from direct sunlight a suitable place for it. But it can also handle a spot on a plant stand that is placed a little back from a north or east-facing window. Go for the 9cm size as a compact starter, or choose the 12cm for a fuller fern with longer fronds. 

  • Its long, arching fronds and soft, bright green leaflets bring lush greenery to shelves, plant stands and hanging baskets.
  • You can have this as a hanging or potted plant. It looks great at any height.
  • The Boston Fern loves humidity, which makes this an ideal plant for bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Boston ferns are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a suitable choice for pet-owning households.

Please note: the decorative pot shown in the images is for illustration only and is not included.

Plant genus Nephrolepis

Common Name Boston Fern

Plant type Ferns

Foliage type Evergreen, Perennial

Hardiness Tropical

Soil acidity Neutral

Leaf colour Green

Growth Rate Moderate

Edible Use No

Light Required Bright In-direct sunlight

Watering Keep the compost lightly and evenly moist, watering when the surface just begins to dry. Avoid both prolonged dryness and waterlogged roots, and let excess water drain freely after each watering. Water a little less in winter, while maintaining reasonable humidity around the foliage.

Best Growing Conditions Grow in bright, indirect light and protection from harsh direct sun, ideally at around 18-26°C, away from cold draughts and sudden temperature changes. Use a good-quality, well-drained houseplant compost and make sure excess water can drain freely from the pot. Most houseplants perform best with moderate humidity and should be kept away from strong radiator heat.

How much water does a Boston Fern need?

Boston Ferns prefer consistently moist but well-drained compost. Before giving it a drink, feel the compost every couple of days. As soon as the surface starts to feel dry, water the plant. This ensures it never dries out fully. It needs less water in winter, but you still shouldn't let it go bone dry. Rainwater is ideal.

Why is my Boston Fern dropping leaves?

If you see the tiny leaflets shedding onto the floor, it is a sign of stress. This usually happens due to dry air, dry compost or if you move the plant. Keep the compost damp, keep it away from direct sun or heaters, and let it settle in. Some shedding after delivery is normal.

Where is the best place to put a Boston Fern?

The ideal spot to place a Boston fern would be a bright bathroom or kitchen. This is because the air is humid in these places, and these plants love this. If you place it in line of direct sunlight, the fronds can get burnt, and radiators dry them, so avoid both. A hanging pot or plant stand near a north or east-facing window also works well.

Is the Boston Fern safe for cats and dogs?

Yes, it is. Unlike most other indoor houseplants, the Boston Fern is not toxic to pets. Cats do like to bat at the trailing fronds, though, so a hanging pot keeps it looking neat and out of paw's reach.

Should I buy the 9cm or 12cm Boston fern?

The 9cm fern is a compact young plant that is perfect for a shelf, windowsill or small bathroom. The 12cm fern is fuller with longer fronds, so it suits a hanging pot or plant stand. Buying two gives you a matching pair for either side of a room.

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Top tip

Keep humidity reasonably steady and avoid letting the root ball dry out completely, especially during active growth. Good drainage is especially important, so avoid leaving the roots sitting in persistently wet or compacted soil.

Key Features

Air Purifying

Air Purifying

Beginner Friendly

Beginner Friendly

Comes Back Each Year

Comes Back Each Year

Good For Containers

Good For Containers

Low Maintenance

Low Maintenance

Pet Friendly

Pet Friendly

Shade Tolerant

Shade Tolerant

All Year Interest

All Year Interest