Leafy › Plant care › Boston fern
Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) Care Guide
Care guide for Boston fern: light, watering, humidity, soil and temperature, based on the species' botanical profile.
📷 tetyanakuchma · CC BY 4.0 · GBIF/iNaturalist
Care at a glance
LightBright, indirect light (near a sheer-curtained window).
WaterWater roughly every 5 days, let the top 2-3 cm of soil dry out between waterings. Drought-sensitive — don't let it dry out completely.
HumidityHigh humidity (60-85%): mist or use a humidity tray.
TemperatureWarm and humid: 18-27 °C (65-80 °F); keep away from frost and cold drafts.
SoilWell-draining mix, slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.0-7.0).
Growthmoderate growth. Mature height ~0.9 m (3.0 ft).
Origin
Native to: Arizona, Bahamas, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast.
Growing Boston fern at home?
With Leafy, snap your plants for instant ID, personalized care reminders and pet-toxicity alerts. Free.
📷 Download Leafy free →Reference guidance based on the species' botanical profile; adjust to your home conditions.