The Benefits of Owning a Boston Fern Houseplant
When it comes to houseplants, Boston Ferns have long been a classic favorite. They have a timeless, elegant look that instantly elevates any space, and their lush green foliage can help bring life to any room. As with any living thing, however, they require care and attention to keep them healthy – so it’s important to understand the basics of Boston fern care before bringing one home.
Identifying Your Boston Fern
The first step in caring for a Boston fern is to make sure you have the right species. There are two types: the classic Boston fern, Nephrolepis exaltata, and the sword fern, Nephrolepis obliterata. Both types of ferns have similar care requirements, but sword ferns can also tolerate drier conditions than Boston ferns.
Caring for a Boston fern long-term involves understanding the unique characteristics of this particular type of fern. Boston ferns have soft, feather-like fronds with a light green hue and are known for having an arching habit that looks graceful in any space. They tend to thrive in humid environments and require consistent moisture in their soil.
Planting Your Boston Fern
Once you’ve identified your Boston fern, it’s time to get it planted. The first step is to choose an appropriate pot. A pot with drainage holes is essential, as too much water can easily lead to root rot in your fern. You can also add an additional layer of protection by lining the bottom of the pot with a couple of inches of gravel or charcoal to help keep plants from becoming too waterlogged.
When it comes to soil, it’s important to use a soil specifically designed for houseplants. This will provide your fern with the necessary nutrients and aeration it needs to thrive. If you’re soil-challenged, however, you can also opt for a pre-mixed potting mix designed for ferns – this will ensure that your plant gets everything it needs to stay healthy and happy.
Caring For Your Boston Fern
Caring for a Boston fern requires a bit of regular maintenance, but with the right care your plant should thrive. The key is understanding how much water and fertilizer your fern needs and when to provide additional humidity or protection from extreme temperatures.
When it comes to water, your plant will need consistent moisture but it’s important not to overwater – the best way to tell if the plant needs more water is by sticking your finger into the soil up to your second knuckle. If the soil feels damp, then your fern probably has enough water. If the soil feels dry, then it’s time to give your fern a drink. You should also be sure to mist the leaves of your plant every few days to help increase the humidity in its environment.
In terms of fertilizer, Boston ferns are light feeders and don’t need as much as other plants. A half-strength liquid fertilizer applied every few weeks should be sufficient. When choosing a fertilizer, look for one specifically designed for houseplants or foliage plants as these are often more tailored to a fern’s needs.
Finally, while Boston ferns are relatively tolerant of both indoor and outdoor temperatures, they do prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). If temperatures go much below or above this range, it’s best to bring your plant indoors or provide some additional protection.
The Benefits Of Owning A Boston Fern
Caring for a Boston fern is essential if you want your houseplant to remain healthy and beautiful for years to come. However, it’s also important to note the many benefits of owning this type of houseplant – from the timeless look of its soft fronds to its air purifying properties.
For starters, the graceful arching habit of many Boston ferns adds a timeless elegance to any room they inhabit. Their lush green hue helps bring life and energy into a space, while their soft fronds add texture and depth. They can even be trained over time into different shapes and arrangements – creating an ever-evolving work of art in any home.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Boston ferns are amazing air purifiers too. According to research published by NASA in 1989, these plants are incredibly effective at removing toxic compounds from the air – such as formaldehyde, xylene and