Bostonfern

Light

It does well in medium to bright indirect light. Direct sun yellows and scorches the fronds.

Watering

Keep the soil slightly moist at all times — never bone-dry, never soggy. On hot days it may need water more often.

Soil and pot

Use a rich mix that holds moisture but drains, in a hanging basket or on a stand so the fronds can spill freely. Cut dry fronds off at the base.

Humidity and temperature

It needs high humidity. If your home is dry, a bathroom or a shady porch is a good spot.

In the Dominican Republic

Hanging on a shady porch, it usually does very well with the local humidity. In the drier months or in strong breezes it can dry out fast, so check the soil more often.

Also known as

Helecho de Boston

Common Spanish name

Helecho espada

Common Spanish name

Helecho común

Common Spanish name

Helecho doméstico

Common Spanish name

Boston fern

Common English name

Sword fern

Common English name

Common problems

• Dry brown fronds→It needs more water or humidity; water more often and raise the humidity.
• Shedding lots of leaflets→The soil dried out completely or it was moved suddenly; keep watering consistent.
• Yellow or pale fronds→Too much water or direct sun; check the drainage and the location.