Can You Cut Back Boston Ferns?
Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) are fast-growing, hardy houseplants. Also known as the sword fern, Boston ferns are easy to grow and require little attention once established. Whether you want to divide a large Boston fern or simply reshape a fern that has a ragged appearance, you can trim Boston ferns easily with household scissors. Does this Spark an idea?
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Cutting Old Growth
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Boston ferns have large, feathery fronds that grow in thick bunches from rhizomes in the soil. Often, new frond development grows over older fronds, which causes the older fronds to develop an unattractive, wilted appearance and turn brown. Cut back discolored fronds at the base of the plant to maintain a lively appearance.
Cutting Back Large Plants
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Mature Boston ferns have a mounding growth habit and can grow up to 2 feet tall and have numerous fronds over 5 feet long. To regain control of a Boston fern that has grown too large for your indoor planting space, simply cut back the fronds to the desired length. Boston ferns are vigorous plants and will tolerate severe pruning with ease.
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Cutting Back for Propagation
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Like other ferns, Boston ferns can easily be propagated by division. Cut back all of the fronds to the soil surface, divide the rhizomes into the number of new ferns that you want, and replant.
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