Green Boston Fern in 6″ Pot

A classic evergreen fern (family Lomariopsidaceae/Nephrolepidaceae) native to tropical/subtropical Americas (Florida, Mexico, Central & South America, West Indies). The ‘Bostoniensis’ cultivar was discovered in a shipment to Boston in 1894 and became the archetypal “parlor fern.” It forms a dense, cascading clump of long, arching fronds that start upright then gracefully droop, making it perfect for hanging baskets or pedestals. Fronds are 30–90 cm (1–3 ft) long (up to 1.2 m in ideal conditions), pinnate with many small, lance-shaped, slightly serrated leaflets (pinnae) that give a soft, feathery texture. Color is fresh emerald-green. Spreads by slender stolons and underground rhizomes; reproduces via spores on the underside of leaflets (no flowers or fruit).

Quick care: bright, indirect light (east/north window; a couple hours of gentle morning sun is fine; direct midday sun scorches fronds; tolerates medium light but grows leggy). Keep soil consistently moist—water when the top 2–3 cm feels dry (1–2×/week in spring–summer, less in winter); never let it sit in standing water (root rot) or dry out completely (fronds crisp and drop). High humidity is key (50–70 %+): mist regularly, use a pebble tray or humidifier; dry air causes brown leaflet tips. Prefers 16–24 °C (60–75 °F); avoid cold drafts and heat vents. Use a loose, peat-rich or coco-based potting mix with good drainage. Feed monthly spring–summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Repot every 1–2 years; remove dead/brown fronds. Non-toxic to pets and people.