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Boston Fern, or Nephrolepis exaltata, has erect, light green fronds that may grow to a metre or more in length.
Latin name
Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”
Pronunciation
(“neff-roh-LEP-iss ex-al TAH-tah”)
Common name
Nephrolepis exaltata
Origin
Southern USA, Caribbean, Central and South America (although introduced to the wild in parts of Africa, Asia and Australia)
Each frond is divided into many narrow pinnae or leaflets that grow alternately on either side of the midrib. The popular variety, “Bostoniensis”, has large, wide (up to 40 cm on mature specimens) and long arching fronds. In other, smaller varieties the leaflets have ruffled edges and are divided even further to give a feathery or lacy appearance.
The species became popular as a houseplant in Victorian times. In 1894, a mutation was spotted in Boston, USA, which became the popular variety “Bostoniensis” or Boston Fern. The wild origins of the plant are, however, nowhere near Boston – they originate in the sub-tropics and tropics of central and South America, the Caribbean and Southern USA.
Non-toxic to pets and humans. It is safe to grow around cats, dogs and children, making it a popular choice for households.
caring for your plant
Light
Medium light (can tolerate quite gloomy conditions). Avoid direct sunlight.
Watering
The soil must be kept moist (but not wet). Mist the foliage with tepid water.
Pruning
Do not prune. However dead fronds can be cut off at the base with a sharp knife.
Feeding
Dilute fertilizer added to the water when you water the plant will be beneficial.
pest & diseases
Mealybugs are the most common pest, remove them with a damp cloth. Scale insects and whiteflies may appear occasionally; rub off scale insects. Natural spore cases on leaf undersides are not pests.
Our plants are grown in Ecoponic, an alternative to soil. Officially known as a vulkaponic substrate, it replaces traditional compost with a clean, mineral-based medium that helps protect peatlands.
According to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, “A loss of only 5% of UK peatland carbon would be equal to the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.” As well as storing carbon, the natural wetlands where peat is found are critical to the survival of plants and wildlife. Ecoponic also improves plant health and uses water more efficiently.
Find out more about Ecoponic here.
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