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Boston Ferns - A Classic House Plant Making a ComebackLet's take a quick look at Nephrolepis exaltata commonly known as the "Boston Fern". Ferns happen to be a house plant and patio plant making a come back, both in quantities grown and varieties available. In the past few years quite a few new introductions of ferns have been done. Davallia (rabbit's foot), Blechnum, and some with interesting common names such as "Macho fern", Kangaroo fern, Dallas fern, Kimberly Queen, and Green Wave. 
The "Boston Fern" is really the house plant that started it all. It was a popular house plant in the 19th century Victorian era. When the true beginnings of the the house plant business got underway back in about 1914 the Boston was there. One of the things making the Nephrolepis variety of ferns so unique is they always seem to be mutating (in a good way). Therefore always providing "new" varieties. You can find plants with fronds ranging in length from 2 feet to 5 feet. The "Kimberly Queen" (Nephrolepis obliterata) is a bushy popular variety used on the patio or covered deck during the spring and summer, but can also be used as a houseplant. Boston ferns are known to handle considerable neglect. If you follow some basic care rules to enjoy a relatively probelm free plant. Where Does It All Start? Boston fern like most house plants want consistency. To avoid problems maintain proper care by providing an even moisture level and staying away from the extremes - too wet or too dry. Don't Allow the Pot to Sit in a Saucer of Water During the winter (or anytime really) remember that ferns aren't fond of dry heat, try to keep the humidity up around them. Try to keep the temperature in the range of 65-72 degrees. If you've ever gone to buy a Boston fern one of the things you may notice is the large amount of dead leaves or fronds that fall off when you pick them up. This is from the new leaves that cover or shade out the older leaves. Without the light the bottom foliage turns brown. Boston ferns have the usual house plant bugs and indoor pest. Mealybugs, scale, spider mites and others. Some of these "problems" can be passed on from other infested plants. Most of these pest can de handled naturally by just monitoring your plants and looking for anything out of the usual. WATCH OUT in using any kind of chemical spray on ferns since they are very sensitive to chemicals which can burn the foliage, try natural insecticides. One thing nice about the Nephrolepis family - you can normally cut the foliage off and grow the plant out again. Ferns can also be very aggressive with their root system. If you notice that the leaves have a grayish look check the soil. It may be time to repot. One way to help your new Boston fern in it's transition to your new home is by placing it in the brightest area of your home (not full, direct sun) for one week first. Then move it to its final place. This helps in acclimating to the lower light levels. Keep on the look out for an "Old-Timer" - The Boston Fern and bring back the Classics! Related House Plant Topics
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