How to water a Boston fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
Quick answer
Keep Boston fern soil evenly damp without leaving the pot saturated. Check the mix, use soft water, let excess drain, and reduce watering in winter as growth slows.
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How to water a Boston fern
- 01
When to water
Keep the soil evenly damp and do not let the root zone dry out completely. This does not mean keeping the pot saturated.
Reduce watering in winter, when the plant rests. Water sparingly then, but do not stop completely or let the soil dry out.
- 02
How to water thoroughly
Check the mix and use soft water as needed to maintain even moisture. Keep water off the fronds where possible, let excess leave the container, and do not replace the check with a calendar.
Use an evenly damp but well-drained potting mix and a container with a clear drainage path. Fronds can rot when they stay too wet, and overwatering raises the risk of root rot.
- 03
Signs of too much or too little water
Drying soil, limp or declining fronds, soil that stays wet and rotting fronds call for a moisture, drainage and humidity check. Do not answer wet fronds or a saturated root zone with automatic extra watering.
All Boston fern guides
Keep reading
Sources3 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
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