Boston Fern 4”

Nephrolepis exaltata, commonly called Boston fern, is a classic, full-bodied fern known for its long, arching fronds made up of small, evenly spaced leaflets. It has a soft, cascading shape that creates a lush, layered look, making it ideal for hanging baskets or adding volume to a space. The bright green foliage gives it that fresh, traditional fern appearance that fills out quickly when happy.

Light should be bright but indirect to keep the fronds full and vibrant. Place it in an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window where it gets steady, filtered light without direct sun hitting the fronds. Under grow lights, use 5000K–6500K at 300–700 foot-candles. Too much direct sun will scorch and dry out the fronds, while too little light will cause thinning and slower growth.

Watering and environment need to stay consistent. Keep the soil evenly moist, never soggy and never fully dried out, using a mix of succulent soil, perlite, and orchid bark to maintain airflow while holding moisture. If fronds begin to shed from the center while the outer edges stay green, it’s often reacting to low light or inconsistent watering. If the tips turn brown and crispy while the rest of the frond stays green, it’s a clear sign of low humidity. If fronds become pale and sparse, it’s not getting enough light.