Boston Fern Yellow, Nephrolepis exaltata bosteniensis Plant

Boston Fern Yellow is a popular indoor plant known for its feathery, arching fronds. While it generally thrives in humid environments, yellowing leaves can indicate that something is off with its care.

1. Seed Selection

• Boston Ferns are usually propagated by division or spores, not seeds.
• Choose healthy, well-rooted divisions or purchase a mature plant from a reliable nursery.

2. Planting Time

• Plant Boston Ferns in the spring or early summer when the conditions are ideal for new growth.
• Warmer temperatures and increased humidity encourage vigorous growth.

3. Soil Preparation

• Use a rich, well-draining potting mix with high organic content.
• A mix of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark is ideal for retaining moisture without waterlogging.
• Ensure the pH is slightly acidic (5.0-6.5), which ferns prefer.

4. Planting

• Place the fern in a pot with drainage holes, using a potting mix formulated for ferns.
• Plant at the same depth as it was growing previously, ensuring the roots are covered with soil.

5. Germination/Establishment

• Boston Ferns do not germinate from seeds but establish from division or spores.
• New growth should start appearing within a few weeks after planting a healthy division.

6. Watering and Care

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Humidity is crucial: maintain a humidity level of at least 50%, preferably 60-70%.
• Mist the leaves or place the pot on a tray of water and pebbles to increase humidity.

7. Fertilizing

• Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during spring and summer.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can contribute to leaf yellowing.

8. Pests and Diseases

• Common pests include spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Yellowing leaves can also be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or low humidity.
• Root rot can develop in soggy soil; ensure proper drainage and avoid waterlogging the plant.

9. Pruning and Maintenance

• Regularly prune off yellow or dead fronds to maintain the plant’s appearance and encourage new growth.
• Yellowing leaves may also indicate that the plant is in need of more humidity, water, or nutrients.

10. Repotting

• Repot Boston Ferns every 1-2 years, or when they become root-bound.
• Choose a slightly larger pot and refresh the soil to maintain its nutrient levels and drainage properties.

Conclusion

Boston Fern Yellow or exaltata, known as the sword fern or Boston fern, is a species of fern in the family Lomariopsidaceae. The Boston fern is one of the most well-known ferns and admired for its desirable traits as a houseplant.

** Plants photos are for representation purpose only. We will make best efforts to send the plants as in photos itself, however it is not always guaranteed as plants might overgrow or shrink depending on the season, care or age.