Bertie

Boston Fern

Sword fern; Nephrolepis exaltata

• 
  Most light conditions
• 
  Easy care

• Bertie likes...
  • 
    Frequent watering

    She likes moist soil, so check her weekly and water whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Let any excess drain off.

  • 
    Most light conditions

    Like a lot of ferns, she’s used to living in partial shade, so she’s ideal for a room with lower light.

  • 
    Humidity

    She really really loves humidity. Mist her a couple of times a week or let her live in the bathroom, basking happily in steam.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Nephrolepis Exaltata

  Nickname

  Boston Fern; Sword Fern

  Plant type

  Fern; indoor

  Air purifying

  Yes

  Plant height (including pot)

  5-10cm; 20-30cm; 40-50cm

  Pet/baby safe

  Yes

  Nursery pot size

  6cm; 12cm; 20cm

• About Boston Ferns

  You’ll find Boston Ferns in the wild in humid, shady areas, like swamps and forests, in South and Central America, the West Indies and Africa. They love anywhere wet, hot and not too bright. As a houseplant, they really became popular with the Victorians - those guys absolutely loved an exotic houseplant - thriving in the poorly lit, likely damp homes of the 1800s.

  When looking after one at home, the rule is to never let a Boston fern dry out. Make sure to keep the soil moist and humidity level high. Although it's very tempting, try to resist touching their fronds as they really don't like it and it might turn them brown.

  To encourage lots of healthy growth, give it a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.

  Did you know?

  The Victorians consider ferns a symbol of humility and sincerity, so please don’t boast or lie in its presence.