foliage
DecorativeBoston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (source: ASPCA).
Some direct sun — an east or west window, or a few hours of direct light.
Likes consistently moist soil; don’t let it dry out.
Needs a little consistency, but nothing fancy.
The Boston fern is a pet-safe classic with arching feathery fronds, popular for hanging baskets. It wants steady moisture and humidity and will protest dry air with dropped leaflets.
About Boston Fern
The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a lush fern from the humid tropics of the Americas, with arching feathery fronds that look fullest spilling out of a hanging basket. It spreads up to most of a metre across but takes no floor space when hung, which suits a renter short on surfaces. It is also safe around cats and dogs, a real point in its favour if pets share the room.
This one trades easy care for good looks. It wants steady moisture and never wants to dry out fully, and it needs humidity to hold its leaflets. Bright indirect light suits it, with no direct sun on the fronds. A bathroom window or a spot near a humidifier keeps it from shedding.
What it’s like to grow
The Boston fern is the fussier end of easy, mostly because it hates dry air. When humidity drops it sheds dry leaflets and the frond tips brown, and if the soil dries out it wilts and crisps. Keep the soil consistently moist, raise the humidity, and give it bright indirect light. It is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Best for someone who can offer a humid spot and steady water, not for a dry, heated flat left to its own devices.
What to expect
It asks for a little consistency, but nothing fancy. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Grow it alongside
Houseplants that want the same light, water and humidity are happy sharing a spot. See what thrives with Boston Fern →
Tips
- Keep the soil consistently moist; never let it dry out completely.
- Give it humidity; dry air causes dropped leaflets and brown fronds.
- Bright indirect light suits it best; avoid direct sun.
Common problems
- Shedding dry leaflets and brown fronds in low humidity.
- Browning and wilting if it dries out.
Common questions
Is Boston Fern toxic to cats and dogs?
Boston Fern is non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it a safe pick if you have pets. Source: ASPCA.
How much light does Boston Fern need?
Boston Fern does best in medium, indirect light: near an east or west window, or a little back from a bright one. Direct midday sun can scorch it.
How often should I water Boston Fern?
Keep Boston Fern's soil consistently moist. It likes regular water and dislikes drying out, so check it often in warm or dry rooms.
What temperature does Boston Fern need?
Boston Fern is happiest around 18–24 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 10 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
Does Boston Fern need high humidity?
Boston Fern prefers humid air. Group it with other plants, stand it on a pebble tray, or run a humidifier — dry indoor air tends to brown the leaf tips.
Can I grow Boston Fern without a sunny window?
Yes. Boston Fern does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Boston Fern get?
A bushy fern with arching fronds spreading 0.4–0.9 m; fuller in a hanging pot.
How do I propagate Boston Fern?
Split the rootball into clumps, each with fronds and roots, and pot them separately.
What pests affect Boston Fern?
Watch for scale, mealybugs and spider mites. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Boston Fern easy to grow?
Boston Fern is moderately easy. It asks for some consistency with light and water, but nothing advanced.
Gear for Boston Fern
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice. Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.