When to Transplant Boston Ferns?

Boston ferns are sensitive to both temperature and humidity.

Your Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis') is probably not the Boston fern popular in Victorian parlors, but rather a modern variety bred for sturdiness. These ferns may live for dozens of years and will, eventually, require transplanting.

Timing

Transplant your Boston fern in early spring, before the fern begins putting out new growth in response to warmer temperatures and longer days. This gives the transplanted fern time to put out new root growth before temperatures drop and days grow shorter. Delay fertilizing the newly transplanted fern for four to five months.

Condition

A mature fern with a dead or dying center may be a sign that the plant is becoming too large for its current home. If the center of your otherwise healthy fern begins to look hollow, without a recent change in its environment or watering schedule, consider transplanting. New growth may also appear stunted or smaller than usual due to constricted roots.

Problems

Before transplanting, examine your fern for signs of disease or stress. When you transplant a fern, you also transplant any problem it may have, and a stressed plant may not recover well from transplanting. Wait until you have the problem under control before moving the fern. Additionally, Boston ferns are more sensitive to humidity and moisture than many other ferns. Water the fern well before transplanting.

References

• University of Florida School of Forest Resources and Conservation: Boston Fern
• University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program: Indoor Ferns
• Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Hardy Ferns

Resources

• The American Fern Society