Garden Care Guide

Boston Fern Care

Nephrolepis exaltata

A popular classic houseplant fern known for its air-purifying properties, with full, arching fronds. It likes places with bright but indirect light, high humidity and humus-rich soil kept constantly moist (not wet). It is very sensitive to low humidity.

Frost-tender (protect from frost) · 5 °C / 41 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist; water when the surface dries out (about 0.4-0.5 L/week), using water that has been left to stand.
  • Pruning: Cut drying, yellowing or bare leaves at their base.
  • General care: To increase humidity, mist with water every day, use a humidity tray or place water containers nearby. Keep it away from radiators and cold drafts.
  • Pests & diseases: Because of the dry air, check the undersides of the leaves for spider mites (Tetranychidae).
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.
February
  • Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist (about 0.4-0.5 L/week).
  • Pruning: Keep removing leaves that dry out in winter.
  • General care: Keep humidity high. New shoots (curled leaves) may be seen toward the end of the month.
  • Pests & diseases: Continue checking for mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) and scale insects (Coccoidea).
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.
March
  • Watering: Increase watering as growth begins (approximately 0.5-0.6 L/week). Never let the soil dry out.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
  • Pruning: A general clean-up pruning can be done.
  • General care: If its pot has become too small, it is the best time for repotting and propagation by division.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the new shoots.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
  • Fertilizing: Once a month, at half the label dose.
  • General care: Rapid growth period. Protect it from direct sunlight, which burns its leaves.
  • Pests & diseases: Dry leaf tips and browning are the most obvious sign of low humidity.
May
  • Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Every 2-3 weeks, half the label rate.
  • Pruning: Remove dry leaves regularly to keep a lush and healthy appearance.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves regularly for pests.
June
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Every 2-3 weeks, half the label rate.
  • General care: In environments where air conditioning is running, mist often with water to increase humidity.
July
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Every 2-3 weeks, half the label rate.
  • General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
  • Pests & diseases: Soil that stays too wet can cause root rot; good drainage is essential.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Once a month, at half the label dose.
  • General care: Growth begins to slow.
September
  • Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Once a month, make the final feeding with a heavily diluted (quarter-strength) fertilizer.
  • Pruning: Remove yellowed or dried-out leaves by cutting them at the base.
  • General care: Growth slows; prepare the plant for winter. Begin keeping humidity levels high.
  • Pests & diseases: Do a general check for mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) and scale insects (Coccoidea) before going into winter.
  • Frost risk: Keep the plant away from open windows and doors that may get cold at night.
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
  • Fertilizing: From the end of the month, stop feeding.
  • General care: Preparing for dormancy. Move it away from windows where it may get cold at night.
  • Frost risk: Watch for cold drafts.
November
  • Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist; water when the surface dries out (about 0.4-0.5 L/week).
  • Pruning: Continue removing drying leaves.
  • General care: Since the radiators are running, humidifying (misting, humidity tray) is vital.
  • Pests & diseases: The risk of spider mites increases.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.
December
  • Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist; water when the surface dries out (about 0.4-0.5 L/week).
  • Pruning: Remove drying leaves.
  • General care: Full dormancy period. Focus on keeping humidity high.
  • Pests & diseases: Mass dropping of the leaves is usually caused by dry air or thirst.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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