Boston fern care guide
Nephrolepis exaltata
Quick answer
Water your Boston fern when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil feel dry: ferns don’t like drying out. In summer that’s typically every 3 to 5 days.
- WateringEvery 3 to 5 days · summer
Every 7 to 11 days · winter - LightBright, indirect light
- Climate18–24 °C (64–75 °F)
- Pet safetyPet-safe (non-toxic)
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
2 cm (0.8 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 3 to 5 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 7 to 11 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright, indirect light
Boston fern thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed your Boston fern every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate18–24 °C (64–75 °F)
Humidity60–80%
During leafy growth, aim for 18–24 °C (64–75 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 60–80% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
No. Pet-safe.
Boston fern is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a Boston fern?
Water your Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil feel dry: ferns don’t like drying out. In summer, that’s typically every 3 to 5 days. In winter, slow down to every 7 to 11 days.
How much light does a Boston fern need?
Boston fern thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is Boston fern safe for cats and dogs?
Boston fern is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Why is my Boston fern turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · native range · habit
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxHouseplant context · light · temperature · humidity · moisture · winter · spores · pests
- Royal Horticultural SocietyLight · compost · moisture · pH · humidity · fertilizer · winter · pests · rot
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlBoston fern record for Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis, a cultivar/botanical spelling variant rather than the straight species record
- How we check our plant advice
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