It has a delicate appearance and elegant, leafy foliage that make it a privileged option to have in our home. Above all, because beyond the attractive aesthetics that it offers us when it comes to setting, decorating and beautifying our spaces, this plant is also very resistant, which makes things much easier when it comes to growing it. If you are also looking for species to enter the world of gardening, to expand your plant collection or you came across this specimen and it has aroused your curiosity about it, in this article we are going to explain everything about the species. Basic care to have a lush Boston Fern.
You can have it indoors, although under environmental conditions without which it will not be able to show you all its splendor and which are what we are going to show you along these lines, as well as what are the most common problems that this tropical plant faces.
What is the Boston Fern
It is called in scientific jargon nephrolepsis exaltata, while another of his most curious nicknames is “Sword fern”, due to the shape of its leaves, long and pointed. As we pointed out before, it is a tropical plant, whose origins are found in areas of Africa, Asia and America.
El boston fern It does not produce flowers or fruits, but it is not necessary to impress with its appearance, its intense green color and its curious shape with an endless number of branches that grow from the ground and expand, generating a leafy and voluminous specimen, ideal for filling with color and life any corner of the house or your gardens or terraces.
What care does a Boston Fern need?
Coming to the section of the Basic care to have a beautiful and healthy Boston Fern, we must remember its tropical origins, so the ideal is to replicate at home the atmosphere it would have if it were in its natural environment. However, it is not an excessively demanding plant and can adapt to slightly different conditions.
Luz
If you plant it in the garden, it is preferable to place it boston fern in semi-shade area, where it receives light but indirectly, so that excessive sun does not cause burns on the leaves. However, make sure it is a place where it receives plenty of light throughout the day.
If you grow it indoors, the more indirect and bright light receive, the prettier it will become and the better colors it will show. Place the pot next to a window and, if the place where it is does not receive enough light and you cannot place it in another area, you can choose to help its growth by placing artificial light. LED lights are a good solution for these problems, allowing us to have plants in unsuitable areas, transforming them into paradises for them.
The issue of light is vital for this species, because if the light it receives is not enough, its leaves will turn yellow and the fern will not look as pretty.
Irrigation
As good tropical or subtropical species, this fern will demand water and it needs an environment where humidity reigns, although not excessive to avoid the proliferation of fungi.
How to achieve this ideal climate or this perfect balance between humidity but not excessive watering? To ensure you provide adequate water, water when the top layer of soil has dried out, making sure the pot has good drainage so excess water can drain away. AND spray the leaves with water, so that the fern feels at home.
You can also place a tray with stones and water under the pot and, if you have it indoors, place a humidifier nearby.
Temperature
Temperature is also a factor to take into account when care for a boston fern. The plant comes from countries where temperatures are moderate, that is, neither too cold nor too hot. So you should avoid extreme heat and frost or very low temperatures. If you live in a very cold or very warm area, it is preferable that you grow it indoors. Between 18º and 24º will be perfect.
Land
The soil is also important for your Boston fern to grow beautifully. The first thing you should make sure is that it is well drained and also that it is nutrient-rich soil.
To help your fern become lush, during spring and summer apply a fertilizer, preferably balanced liquids do well.
What problems affect the Boston Fern
If any of the key factors in fern care If they fail, problems can arise that will make the plant not look as healthy or as pretty. You will be able to observe problems such as the following:
- Yellowish leaves: Yellow leaves are due to lack of light, excess watering or lack of humidity. Yes, we know, it's a potpourri of things, but you will have to observe what may be failing and fix it, either by giving it more light, increasing humidity or reducing watering.
- Leaves with brown tips: If what you notice about your fern is that the tips of the leaves have turned brown, it is a clear symptom of lack of water. Water more frequently or increase humidity with a humidifier, misting the leaves with water, adding a tray of stones and water, etc.
On the other hand, they can also proliferate Pests on Boston Fern. The most common are the Mites, scale insects and aphids.
Check from time to time and, at the slightest sign of the presence of these beings, apply remedy. It is best to use an eco-friendly solution, such as a product made from neem oil, which does not harm the environment or is harmful to you, children or pets. Of course, it is not harmful to the plant either.
With these Basic care to have a lush Boston Fern, you will have a beautiful, healthy plant that also provides you with interesting benefits, including increasing humidity in the environment, purifying the air and, as with many plants, helping you relax.