Care and Pruning of a Boston Fern
The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exalta) has been a staple houseplant since the Victorian Era. One feature that makes Boston ferns so attractive is that they are relatively easy to care for. In addition, Boston ferns can be propagated by division which allows owners to enjoy even more of their striking colors and markings. Does this Spark an idea?
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Humidity
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One of the first things you learn when you own a fern is that they do not like dry heat and the Boston fern is no exception. Boston ferns prefer a decently moist room that is around 60 degrees F (approximately 15.56 degrees C). Again, Boston ferns thrive on humidity so if you suspect the air in the room to be dry, give the plant a weekly misting with a spray bottle and make sure it has good air movement.
Light and Water Requirements
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Boston ferns prefer a mixture of sun and shade. For a tight and healthy growth pattern, place the plant in a place where it will receive one to three hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid southern facing windows as they will let in too much sun and ultimately harm the plant. Always let the plant become almost entirely dry before you water it.
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Fertilization
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Horticulturists tend to disagree when it comes to the best fertilizer to use for your fern. In general, an all-purpose 10-10-10 fertilizer should be adequate. However, you can also use a 30-10-10 fertilizer or another fertilizer that is plant specific. It's best to feed your Boston fern every fourth or fifth watering.
Pruning
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Pruning is not required for Boston ferns but can be useful if you want to remove dead fronds or control the plant's height. If you see a frond that appears yellow or brown, you can prune it off at any time close to the base of the frond. This process actually helps the plant refocus its energy on making new fronds so it will improve the plant's overall health. If you want to control the height of your Boston fern, lightly clip or prune the longer fronds and you will see results over time. If you have a lot of pruning to do, it is best to space it out over a week or so to limit the amount of shock to the plant.
Common Household Pests
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The Boston fern can be susceptible to the common household pests like mealy bugs, scale and spider mites. These pests are often spread from and to other plants so if you notice a problem on your fern you should isolate it from your other houseplants after checking them for the same problem. Most common household insects can be controlled using an insecticidal spray composed of soap or horticultural oil; consult your local garden center for advice on the proper product.
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References
- Photo Credit fern image by Alistair Dick from Fotolia.com
