Boston fern is a terrestrial or epiphytic, herbaceous perennial fern in the polypody family (Polypodiaceae). It is native to tropical and subtropical America and commonly grown as a houseplant in North Carolina and other USDA zones cooler than 10a. The species epithet is Latin for "very tall." Plant in bright, indirect light and warmth (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit). This fern needs high humidity and moist soil that should never be allowed to dry out. Place near kitchens and bathrooms for higher humidity or set on a tray of wet pebbles. In the winter, reduce watering as the plant is dormant and overwatering can lead to root rot. This plant removes indoor air pollutants well and is resistant to deer and heavy shade in the landscape. It grows to 2 to 3 feet in height and width. Boston fern produces spores on the underside of the leaves. These are dark brown to black dots that appear in a pattern. Do not mistake these for insects or disease damage. Both indoors and outdoors Boston fern shows its form well in a hanging basket or container. In the landscape place it near a pool or hardscape, in a small space, or as an accent in a shade garden. Quick ID Hints: Fronds pinnately compound, lanceolate shaped, gradually tapering upward. Pinnae basally auricled and asymmetrical. Sori round, located over a vein. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Scales or spider mites can be a problem if the air around the plant is too dry. This plant shows invasive tenancies in warm climates. Watch for Florida Fern Caterpillar. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants", a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fronds are erect to arching or pendent, 2-3 ft long, short-petiolate, pinnately compound, lanceolate, and are often crowded along stolons. Fronds are graceful, green, have a lacy look, and are attractive in hanging baskets. Pinnules are numerous, linear-oblong, base asymmetrically auricled and almost clasping, the margin serrulate to crenate. Indusium lines the margin, is circular, and not commonly seen on houseplants. Some variegated cultivars exist.
Flower detail
No flowers.
Fruit detail
No fruits. This plants reproduces via spores.
Stem color
Brown/Copper
Stem detail
Rhizomes are short, suberect, and with slender stolons.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Tropical & Subtropical America
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Hanging Baskets; Houseplants; Pool/Hardscape; Small Space