Jeff and I came home with a dandy looking Boston Fern which he wanted to decorate his office.  It sparkled with lush, green fronds growing abundantly and spilling over the container it came in.    This gorgeous plant received careful attention and grew well through the spring and most of the summer but life stepped in the way and his fern began to show signs of distress until now it needs a good reboot.  This is uncharted waters for me but I am going to use the following strategy to rejuvenate our fern.   

Reinvigorating a Boston Fern: A Guide to Growing Indoors and Thriving Through Winter

Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) are classic houseplants known for their lush, feathery fronds and vibrant green color. I hear they have great ability to thrive indoors and have air-purifying qualities. However, like most plants, Boston ferns can face challenges—especially in colder months. If your fern is looking a bit tired, regenerating it and helping it flourish indoors through winter is possible with a few key care strategies.

Boston ferns can sometimes appear ragged or lose their lushness due to neglect, low humidity, or improper care. However, regenerating them is possible with patience and proper attention.

1. Trim the Fern

If your Boston fern has brown, crispy, or wilted fronds, it’s time to give it a fresh start:

• Prune the damaged fronds: Using sanitized scissors or pruning shears, trim away any yellowed, brown, or dead fronds at the base. This will encourage the plant to put its energy into new growth.
• Cut back heavily if needed: If the entire plant looks rough, don’t be afraid to trim it back significantly. Boston ferns are resilient and will grow back, often fuller than before.

2. Check the Roots

If your Boston fern has been in the same pot for over a year, it’s worth checking the root system:

• Look for root-bound issues: If the roots are tightly coiled around the inside of the pot, it might be time to repot. A root-bound plant can struggle to take up water and nutrients, leading to poor health.
• Repot if necessary: Move the fern to a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil to give it more room to grow. You can also divide the plant if it’s large, creating new ferns from sections of the root ball.

3. Increase Humidity and Adjust Watering

Boston ferns love humidity and moist soil, so their condition often improves when you address these needs:

• Mist the plant regularly to boost humidity. Alternatively, place a humidifier nearby or set the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water to keep the environment moist.
• Water consistently, but avoid overwatering. The soil should stay evenly moist but never waterlogged. Let the top inch of soil dry out slightly between waterings, but not too much, as Boston ferns don’t tolerate drought well.
• Use a moisture meter to ensure consistently moist soil.

Let’s Help it Grow Well Indoors

Boston ferns are ideal for indoor environments, provided you replicate the humid, warm conditions they thrive in. Here’s how to keep your fern happy and healthy indoors:

1. Find the Right Light

Boston ferns love bright, indirect light, but they can’t tolerate direct sunlight, which will scorch their delicate fronds.

• Place your fern near a window where it gets filtered light. East-facing windows are usually best, as they provide gentle morning sun.
• Avoid direct sunlight, especially from south- or west-facing windows. If necessary, use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.
• Consider supplemental lighting: If your indoor environment is too dark in winter, you can use a grow light to ensure your fern gets enough light for photosynthesis.

2. Maintain Ideal Temperatures

Boston ferns prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C). Avoid sudden temperature changes or drafts, which can stress the plant.

• Keep your fern away from heaters, air conditioners, and drafty windows or doors, as extreme fluctuations can cause the fronds to brown.
• Monitor humidity: Indoor environments can get dry, especially in winter when the heat is on. Boston ferns need higher humidity to thrive—ideally above 50%. Consider misting the plant or using a room humidifier to maintain moisture levels.
• Make use of a pebble filled tray and water to provide the moisture ferns like and cluster a few plants together thereby creating a preferred environment.

3. Feed Your Fern

To keep your Boston fern lush, regular feeding is important.

• Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply every 4-6 weeks to encourage healthy growth.
• Hold off on fertilizer during winter when the plant’s growth slows down, as too much feeding can lead to burnt or yellowing fronds.

4. Adjust Watering Schedule

Boston ferns don’t like to dry out completely, but they also don’t want to be overwatered during the dormant season.

• Water less frequently in winter than in summer, as the plant’s growth slows down. Keep the soil slightly moist, but let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.
• Avoid using cold water. Instead, use room-temperature water, which is less shocking to the plant.
• Consider supplemental lighting: If your indoor environment is too dark in winter, you can use a grow light to ensure your fern gets enough light for photosynthesis.

4. Keep Away from Heat Sources

Indoor heating can create hot, dry air that is harmful to ferns.

• Place your fern away from radiators or heating vents to avoid drying out the fronds.
• Check for drafts, and move the plant if it’s too close to doors or windows that let in cold air.

Oh boy!  I hope this works!

Regenerating and growing a Boston fern indoors, especially through winter, is all about understanding the plant’s needs. With proper pruning, repotting, consistent watering, and a focus on humidity and temperature control, your fern can flourish even when conditions seem less than ideal. As a beautiful, timeless addition to your indoor garden, a well-cared-for Boston fern will reward you with lush greenery and a refreshing atmosphere all year long.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure your Boston fern not only survives but thrives indoors, whether it’s regenerating from wear and tear or enduring the colder months with grace. Happy growing!

References

1. Online:  Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension, University of Wisconsin-Madison:  “Boston Fern, (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’). By Susan Mahr
2. Online:  The Spruce:  “How to Grow and Care for Boston Fern” by Jon Vanzile 
3. Online:  Planters Place.com, Container Corner:  “Caring for Boston Ferns”. By Abbi Hayes
4. The SouthernLiving Garden Book, 1998, Pub. Oxmoor House:  pg.302 “Nephrolepsis”