Are Boston ferns good house plants?
The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis) is one of the most well-known ferns and admired for its desirable traits as a houseplant. Boston ferns are typically attractive, with long, graceful fronds bedecked with tiny leaves.
How do you plant Boston ferns in the shade?
Boston fern in gardens require partial to full shade, or dappled, filtered light. This makes the plant a good choice for shady, damp areas, providing a spark of bright color where few other plants will grow. The plant prefers rich, organic soil.
What kind of light do Boston ferns need?
Boston ferns do best in bright, indirect light. Too much shade can result in sparse fronds that aren’t their typical bright color. And too much sun can burn the fronds.
What are the best ferns to grow in shade?
For an even more dramatic burst of color, try ‘Brilliance’ autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’). The new growth emerges a striking coppery orange color that holds through spring. Team it with plants that have flowers in the warm color spectrum (yellow, orange and red), and you’ll have a hot container for the shade.
Can Boston ferns grow in shade?
Boston ferns are the perfect porch plant, as they thrive in lots of indirect light. Morning sun is ideal, as full afternoon sun can burn the fronds. In humid, subtropical areas of Florida (zones 10 to 12), Boston ferns make an attractive mid-height groundcover in areas with dappled shade.
Can ferns grow in full shade?
About Ferns Ferns are a natural inhabitant of shady areas, most commonly found where they will get at least some sun during part of the day or where they will receive dappled sunlight most of the day. In fact most ferns will not grow that well in real dense shade, they need a bit of sun to grow their best.
How much sun does a Boston fern need?
The plant benefits from bright, indirect light during fall and winter. A location where the plant gets at least two hours of indirect sunlight per day, preferably in the morning or late afternoon, is ideal. Boston fern light conditions must change when sunlight is more intense in spring and summer.
What ferns take full shade?
All prefer organically-rich, well-drained soil, and most require a moist shady area – though some, like cinnamon, royal and Southern shield ferns, will grow in full shade if given constant moisture. For design combinations, nothing beats a frilly fern paired with a broad-leafed hosta.
What is a good shade plant?
10 Great Plants for ShadeHeuchera (Coral Bells)Lamium Maculatum (Dead Nettle)Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower)Pulmonaria (Lungwort)Astilbe.Digitalis (Foxglove)Hakonechloa (Japanese forest grass)Primula (Primrose)More items...•
Do ferns grow well in low light?
Many ferns, including button, Autumn, rabbit's foot, maidenhair and more, are good options for low-light situations. Give them consistently moist soil and low to medium light.
Where should I place my Boston fern?
Boston fern does best when grown in a location with bright, indirect light. Too much shade can result in sparse fronds that appear lackluster, and too much sun can burn the fronds. For this reason, Boston fern is a good choice for a porch plant that receives filtered sun in the morning and afternoon shade.
Can Boston ferns tolerate low light?
One of the oldest plants in the world, Boston Ferns like bright but indirect sunlight and optimum temperatures of 60°F – 75°F /15°C – 24°C but will tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F /10°C.
How do you make Boston ferns bushy?
You don't want to crop the top of the plant when pruning Boston fern. Instead, trim off the side fronds at the base. Also remove old, discolored fronds near the soil to allow new growth to come through. Remove the unsightly stems to the base as well.
Are Boston ferns perennials?
In its natural environment, the Boston fern grows as a perennial plant. It is native to semitropical climate, so it likes warm temperatures – both mild warm summers as mild winters.
What grows in pots in the shade?
11 Shade-Loving Plants for ContainersMade in the Shade and Sitting Pretty. 1/12. ... Begonia (Begonia spp.) 2/12. ... Caladium (Caladium bicolor) 3/12. ... Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides) 4/12. ... Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) 5/12. ... Fern (Dryopteris, Polypodium, etc.) 6/12. ... Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.) ... Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)More items...
Can you plant Boston ferns in the ground?
Today, Boston fern is still a top pick for indoor and outdoor settings. But, because Boston fern can grow 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, it are often a better choice for outdoor situations. In zones 9-11, Boston fern can be planted directly in the ground. Here's a plant that lives up to its name.
How much sunlight does a fern need?
about 4 hours per dayUse this quick and easy fern primer to help you choose ferns for sunny or shady spots in your garden and ferns that work well inside the home. SUN LOVING FERNS can take direct sun for about 4 hours per day (morning, mid or afternoon) and filtered the rest of the day.
What is considered full shade?
What is Full Shade? Full shade is defined as less than four hours of direct sun per day. Notice we didn't say zero hours of direct sun—that would be dense shade which is the darkest of all light levels where few plants can survive. Full shade loving plants enjoy a few hours of sun each day, preferably in the morning.
How do you take care of a shade fern?
Give them filtered shade; they can't take direct, hot sun. If your home is dry, mist your fern regularly or put it on a tray filled with pebbles and a little water. To avoid root rot, don't let the bottom of the pot touch the water.
Why do ferns grow in shady places?
How to Grow Ferns in Your Garden. Plant ferns in part to full shade and rich, well-drained soil. In all climates, they need protection from afternoon sun to prevent drying and leaf scorch.
What kind of soil do Boston ferns like?
These ferns like organically rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Poorly drained soil can cause root rot and ultimately kill the plant. For container Boston fern plants, use a peat-based potting mix.
What is a Boston Fern?
Varieties. Propagating. Potting. Back to Top. The Boston fern ( Nephrolepis exaltata ), also known as the sword fern, is a popular fern species that grows in many tropical areas around the world. It is also commonly kept as a houseplant, especially because it doesn’t have high sunlight needs.
How to repot Boston ferns?
Another telltale sign that the fern is out of space is if it's not growing as much as it normally does. Repotting is best done in the spring. Select just one container size up. Gently remove the fern from its old pot, and replant it at the same depth in the new pot using fresh potting mix.
How to keep ferns from drying out?
Plan to water frequently to prevent the soil from drying out. And fertilize from spring to fall when the plant is actively growing. Regularly misting your fern or using other means to raise humidity also is typically a must unless you live in a very humid climate.
How much humidity does a Boston fern need?
High humidity also is critical for Boston ferns. They thrive in humidity levels of above 80 percent. To raise the humidity around your fern, set it on a tray filled with water and pebbles. Also, regularly mist the plant.
What happens when ferns dry out?
If the soil begins to dry out, the fern’s foliage can quickly dry out and drop off the plant. During the fall and winter months, slightly reduce watering, as the plant is not actively growing. But if you notice the fronds getting dry, increase the amount of water you are giving the plant.
Do Boston ferns like heat?
They like warm and humid conditions. And they don’t enjoy temperature extremes, either outside or from drafts, air conditioners, and heating vents indoors. It’s important to maintain stable growing conditions for Boston ferns, as any element to their care that’s out of whack can quickly damage the plant.
When do Boston ferns need sun?
Boston fern light conditions must change when sunlight is more intense in spring and summer. During the sunny time of year, the fern needs a semi-shady location, such as a window with a northern exposure.
How much light does a Boston Fern need?
Boston fern light requirements vary depending on the time of year. The plant benefits from bright, indirect light during fall and winter. A location where the plant gets at least two hours of indirect sunlight per day, preferably in the morning or late afternoon, is ideal.
What is a Boston fern?
Boston fern ( Nephrolepsis exaltata bostoniensis) is a dependable, old-fashioned charmer that decorates the environment with cascades of graceful, deep green fronds. Boston fern is a tropical plant that thrives with minimal care; however, light requirements for Boston ferns are a critical aspect of successful growing.
Can a Boston Fern survive in shade?
Boston fern won’t tolerate bright sunlight or total shade. First, avoid intense, direct light, which can scorch the fronds. Secondly, keep in mind that without adequate sunlight, the plant won’t thrive and is likely to drop its leaves. Now that you know about Boston fern light conditions, you can consider the plant’s other needs, ...
Can you use Boston Fern in the sun?
Consider two important factors when you think about Boston fern indoor light any time of year. Boston fern won’t tolerate bright sunlight or total shade.
What kind of light does a Boston Fern need?
Boston fern thrives in partial to full shade or filtered light. This makes the plant a good choice for damp or shady areas and provides a spark of bright color when it grows. Costa Farms Premium Live Boston Fern Hanging Basket.
Where do Boston ferns grow?
The morning sun is ideal but full afternoon sun can burn off the fronds. Boston ferns thrive in the subtropical areas of Florida. They make an attractive mid-height ground cover with dapples shade.
Why are my fern leaves turning yellow?
If the leaves turn pale or yellowish, it is an indication that the plant is lacking enough nutrients. Feed the fern frequently throughout its growing season. Use a dilute mixture of water-soluble fertilizer or provide a slow-release fertilizer in spring.
What temperature do Boston ferns like?
Temperature: Boston ferns prefer temperatures between 60-75 degrees. If you live in a region that the temperature falls under 55 degrees in the Winter, you will need to grow your ferns in pots. This is to help you move them inside to save them from frost when it starts to get cold outside.
How does the cold wind affect ferns?
The cold wind blowing on them through these spaces will affect the health of your ferns. Re-potting: The size of the pot you choose is what determines the space that the roots will have to grow. This also determines the size of your fern.
Can you grow Boston ferns outdoors?
With ultimate care, Boston fern will thrive outdoors. Here is the Boston fern care that you can use to grow them outdoors.
Can you overwater ferns?
Do not allow the soil to become too soggy by overwatering because this will kill the fern. If you live in a dry climate, make it a habit to mist the plant lightly on hot days. If you are growing your fern in a container, it will need watering daily in the summer season.
How to grow Boston Ferns outdoors?
If planning to grow your plant outdoors, fill the bottom 1/3 of the container with Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix, which absorbs more water than basic potting soil. Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is about 1 inch below the rim of the container (to leave room for watering). Fill in around the root ball with more potting mix, then thoroughly water the plant, let it drain, and move it to its permanent location.
How to keep Boston ferns alive in winter?
Expect some leaf drop when you bring plants indoors for the winter. If the defoliation is extreme, simply cut plants back and allow them to re-grow. Situate Boston ferns indoors in bright, indirect sunlight away from drafty doors and heating vents. Provide as much humidity as possible and carefully monitor the soil to ensure plants stay consistently moist. You can set the plants on pebble trays filled with water, so long as the pot does not sit in standing water. You may also want to use a humidifier or mist the plants with room-temperature tap water.
How to keep plants moist in a pot?
Provide as much humidity as possible and carefully monitor the soil to ensure plants stay consistently moist. You can set the plants on pebble trays filled with water, so long as the pot does not sit in standing water. You may also want to use a humidifier or mist the plants with room-temperature tap water.
Is Boston fern a houseplant?
Popular since Victorian times, Boston ferns are now among the most common houseplants. Whether you’re growing Boston ferns indoors or out, here’s what you need to know to keep them at their best.
Can Boston ferns grow in direct sunlight?
In humid, subtropical areas of Florida ( zones 10 to 12 ), Boston ferns make an attractive mid-height groundcover in areas with dappled shade. They like consistently moist but well-drained soils. Boston ferns grown indoors should be placed near a window, but not in direct sunlight.
Can you keep Boston ferns in a pot?
These types of pots take longer to dry out, making it easier to maintain the plants. It can be difficult to keep a large Boston fern well-watered enough when it is growing in coco coir or an unglazed container, unglazed pot, window box, or hanging basket.
Can you plant Boston ferns in plastic pots?
If you want to plant your Boston fern in different container, though, choose plastic or glazed terra cotta . These types of pots take longer to dry out, making it easier to maintain the plants. It can be difficult to keep a large Boston fern well-watered enough when it is growing in coco coir or an unglazed container, unglazed pot, window box, or hanging basket.
What color is the new growth on a fern?
For an even more dramatic burst of color, try ‘Brilliance’ autumn fern ( Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’). The new growth emerges a striking coppery orange color that holds through spring. Team it with plants that have flowers in the warm color spectrum (yellow, orange and red), and you’ll have a hot container for the shade.
What are ferns used for?
However, ferns can be just as eye-catching and are especially useful for providing structure, color and dramatic impact. Here’s a list of fabulous ferns sure to liven up your next shade-container design. Save Photo.
What does Hart's Tongue Fern look like?
Hart’s tongue fern ( Asplenium scolopendrium, zones 6 to 8) doesn’t exactly look like a fern. Its wide, strappy fronds unfurl vertically, giving the appearance of an upward-facing tongue. It can be used as the main “thriller” plant, as seen here, or as a filler, taking the place of a plant with a grass-like texture.
How tall does a sword fern grow?
These ferns also do well if transplanted in the garden when it’s time to switch your container arrangement. It grows to about 3 feet tall and wide. Its versatility makes it a favorite, as it grows happily in sun and shade and moist to dry conditions.
How big does a Japanese painted fern grow?
Try teaming it with bold purple or burgundy begonias or heucheras. Japanese painted fern grows to about 1 ½ feet by 1 ½ feet and prefers light shade. This fern is also deer-resistant.
What is an Autumn Fern?
Autumn fern ( Dryopteris erythrosora, USDA zones 6 to 9; find your zone) is an evergreen fern with bronze-colored new growth . Its arching habit adds a graceful, soft look to containers. Team it with bold textured plants, such as mother-in-law’s tongue ( Sansevieria trifasciata ), seen in this image, or hostas, for added contrast and drama.
What is a soft shield fern?
Soft shield fern ( Polystichum setiferum, zones 5 to 9) looks especially good planted in a woodland setting. Its shiny evergreen fronds grow horizontally, with a graceful lacy texture. Planting soft shield fern in a pot on the edge of a garden creates a nice transition from a more structured or formal portion of the garden to a wilder area.
What do you put Boston ferns in?
Gather your potting supplies. Boston ferns will do best in a potting mixture of peat moss, sand, and garden soil. You can buy all of these at your local gardening store. Your final mixture should be even parts of each ingredient. The pot should be big enough for your fern to sit comfortably without it's roots being near the drainage holes, but without a lot of extra space that could accumulate "root rot."
What is the best fern to keep alive?
If you aren’t one of those people, don’t worry – there are plants that even you can keep alive! The Boston fern is one of those plants. It’s one of the most popular ferns to grow, and its long, feather-like branches add vibrancy to any space.
How to keep ferns in the house?
Keep your house between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius), and put it in a cooler room at night. If you don’t want to invest in a humidifier, there are other options. You can place your fern in a saucer filled with small stones and water. The water will create humidity as it evaporates.
How to grow ferns in a pot?
Pot your fern. Put your mixture and plant into the clean pot with drainage holes in the bottom.The fern can be planted about half of the way to the top of the pot so that the roots have space in the soil. Fill in the rest of the pot with more potting mixture, leaving about 1 inch ( 25.4 mm) of space from the top. ...
How to remove leafless fronds from a plant?
Older leaves may become discolored or lose their leaves, which isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing. Use sharp, clean scissors to remove the fronds all the way at the base. This will allow new, healthy fronds to grow.
Why are my fern leaves turning brown?
The leaves on your fern may be turning brown due to bad soil, poor water drainage, or too much sun.
Can a Boston Fern grow in direct sunlight?
Your Boston fern will likely do best in low to moderate indirect sunlight.
Where do ferns grow best?
It thrives in sunny locations with moist soil and grows best in zones 4 through 7. It’s easy to think that ferns only grow in full shade areas, but these lush plants are just as easy to grow in the sun. The main thing to remember when growing these plants in sunny areas is to provide them with an adequate water supply.
How tall do bracken ferns get?
Bracken Fern (Pteridium) (Aleksander/123rf.com) Bracken ferns are a competitive plant that spreads from both underground rhizomes and spores. It usually grows 3 to 4 feet in height but sometimes reaches up to 7 feet tall. It thrives in sunny locations with moist soil and grows best in zones 4 through 7.
What is an ostrich fern?
Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) – Sun Loving Ferns with Stunning Height. The ostrich fern has large upright fronds that resemble ostrich plumes. It produces numerous fiddleheads in the early spring with blue/green foliage and thrives in part or full sun.
How do ferns spread?
While some varieties spread through spores released from the underside of the fronds, other types spread through underground rhizomes. These types are easy to divide and move to other locations, and is helpful as the fern matures.
What is a sun loving fern?
Sun Loving Ferns. Ferns have a whimsical appearance that make them an excellent plant for filling spaces around the home. Their graceful fronds are stunning as ground covers or a garden ornamental focal point. We often think of ferns as a shade-loving plant, but many sun loving ferns thrive in a garden filled with sunshine.
What is a shield fern?
It is a medium-sized fern with bright green, leathery fronds that reproduce by spores.
How tall does a royal fern grow?
It tolerates partial sun, grows best in zones 3 through 9, and has an average height and spread of 3 feet.