Common
name: "Boston Fern"
Latin name: Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'
Native
to: Boston, England
Grown habit: Graceful long fronds up to 36"
long.
Flowers: No
Temps: Normal indoor temps
Humidity: Prefers a humid location. Place on pebble
tray, mist daily. Pests: Not effected by many
pests.
Lighting:
Pictured
Houseplant:
6" Boston Fern
Cultural
information: "Boston ferns" are a bit
difficult to care for... but once you learn the plants needs it
will grow into a large specimen. Generally they are found as
either a hanging basket or a upright plant. Check for water 2 or 3
times per week, water thoroughly wetting the entire soil ball. The
foliage will become pale or translucent green when in serious need
of water. A small amount of water left in the saucer or pebble
tray will help raise humidity. Mist daily and feed monthly. Boston
Ferns help to clean interior air. It is said that a single Boston
Fern can absorb 1,863 micrograms of formaldehyde per hour.
A mature plant will develop round, brown circles under the
fronds called spores. Do not confuse the spores as a scale insect.
Propagate by dividing the plant. These plants are quite popular as
a prop for weddings.
