Asked by: Auras Kreidenweiss
home and garden smart home

Is a Boston fern an indoor or outdoor plant?

Last Updated: 20th February, 2020

43
Grow Boston ferns indoors in bright, indirect sunlight or outside in filtered shade. Plant outdoor Boston ferns in Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix and indoor Boston ferns in Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix. Water frequently to keep the soil evenly moist.

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Also asked, can a Boston fern live outside?

Although Boston fern is often grown as a houseplant, it thrives outdoors in warm, humid climates in USDA zones 9-11. With adequate moisture, the plant may tolerate drier climates. Frost may kill the fern to the ground, but it will rebound in spring.

Additionally, are ferns indoor or outdoor plants? Ferns thrive in moist, shady outdoor areas, but the lush green foliage can also grow well in a hanging pot either indoors or outdoors. The smaller amount of soil and limited space means a fern growing in a container dries out faster than those planted directly in the ground.

Additionally, how much sun does a Boston fern need?

Boston fern light needs vary depending on the time of year. The plant benefits from bright, indirect light during fall and winter. A location where the plant gets at least two hours of indirect sunlight per day, preferably in the morning or late afternoon, is ideal.

How do you take care of a Boston fern indoors?

To care for Boston ferns, keep them outdoors if you live in a warm, humid climate, or keep them indoors if you live in a cooler climate. If you keep your ferns indoors, place a humidifier near them so they don't dry out. Water your ferns regularly so that their soil is always moist but not damp.

Related Question Answers

Chourouk Martin Nieto

Professional

Do ferns like coffee grounds?

Plants That Benefit From Coffee Grounds
A few of these plants are: Azaleas, Blueberries, Butterfly bush, Cardinal flowers, Cranberries, Ferns, Gardenias, Heathers, Mountain laurels, Oaks, Pecans, Rhododendrons, Spruces, and Yews.

Maisie Brangs

Professional

Should I mist my Boston fern?

Boston Ferns thrive on humidity. They're also very forgiving plants and can do without constant (around the clock) humidity. The leaves will look best if you spray them daily, but I've gotten my plant to adjust to misting every three days. Plain water is best.

Bulah Potsepkin

Professional

Do Boston ferns come back every year?

Like many other varieties of semitropical plants, Boston fern grows as a perennial in warm climates, but won't overwinter in areas that experience freezing temperatures. In cold climates, you must bring this type of fern indoors or grow it as an annual.

Jiacheng Plogsties

Explainer

When can I put my Boston fern outside?

They grow best when temperatures reach no higher than 75 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at night. A temperature of 95 degrees or higher will kill a Boston fern. Outdoors they should be placed in a sheltered spot where the temperature does not get hot.

Dinka Lizanzu

Explainer

Do Boston ferns like to be root bound?

Most Boston ferns benefit from repotting at least every two to three years, although some fast-growing ferns may require repotting more often. Several signs indicate your fern needs a larger home. A badly root-bound fern may crack the pot. It's a good idea to repot the plant before this happens.

Nyuma Sordo

Explainer

What is the lowest temperature a fern can tolerate?

The lowest minimum temperatures for USDA zone 10 are 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Boston ferns die if exposed to lower temperatures. The best indoor temperature range for these voluptuous plants is between 68 and 78 F, notes Colorado State University Extension.

Loreen Paradowsk

Pundit

Do Boston ferns clean the air?

With its mass of lush green foliage, the Boston Fern is thought to be one of the best air purifying houseplants. This evergreen plant not only helps to rid the home of harmful toxins it improves humidity by helping to restore moisture to the air naturally too.

Duarte Andersen

Pundit

How often do Boston ferns need to be watered?

Water the fern when the soil becomes damp. Do not allow the soil to dry out. This may mean watering twice a week or daily in hot weather. The frequency will change depending on the temperature and moisture in your home.

Iñaqui Stradmann

Pundit

Is Epsom salt good for ferns?

Ferns – Epsom salts work wonders on ferns as a liquid fertilizer helping the leaves have a rich, deep dark green color. Elephant ear plants are another plant which benefits from the extra magnesium. Apply as a drench mixing 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts to 1 gallon of water.

Leeanna Brisch

Pundit

Do ferns need a lot of water?

Outdoor Ferns
As a rule, they prefer 1 to 2 inches of water a week, but this also depends on the soil and the growth rate. Ferns grown in light, sandy soil require more frequent watering than those grown in dense clay soil. Check the soil often and develop a watering routine that keeps the soil moist, but not soggy.

Oleta Bremel

Teacher

What is the best plant to have in your bedroom?

The 8 Best Plants for Your Bedroom, and Why
  • Lavender. 1/9. Lavender has been shown to reduce both blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Jasmine. 2/9. Jasmine makes an attractive accent plant, but it's more than just a pretty face.
  • Peace Lily. 3/9.
  • Aloe Vera. 4/9.
  • Valerian. 5/9.
  • English Ivy. 6/9.
  • Gerbera Daisies. 7/9.
  • Rosemary. 8/9.

Berena Gisske

Teacher

How often do you water ferns in hanging baskets?

Water only when soil is just dry to the touch. If leaves turn yellow and soil is wet 1 to 2 inches beneath the surface, you are watering too much. Ferns love humidity and appreciate an occasional misting.

Asensi Moga

Teacher

Are Boston ferns toxic to dogs?

They are a favorite plant among cats who love to nibble at and play with the long fronds. According to the ASPCA, Boston ferns are non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Boston ferns prefer a humid environment and indirect sunlight. They look beautiful while hanging from baskets, and they can be summered on your porch.

Najoua Doughty

Teacher

Why are my outdoor ferns turning yellow?

Wet Soil. Overwatering ferns is a common problem that causes their leaves to turn yellow. After mixing the fertilizer with water, apply it directly to the soil. Yellowed fronds may dry and die, but new fronds will grow if the plants are watered properly with fertilizer applications.

Charanjit Roa

Reviewer

What is the best fertilizer for Boston ferns?

Boston ferns need a light complete fertilizer, with a balance of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. This is available in liquid form, water-soluble or slow-released granules, sticks or tablets.

Moruena Cubi

Reviewer

Can you propagate ferns in water?

Cover a tray with pebbles and place under the pot with the fern. Pour some water on top of the pebbles. As the water evaporates, the humidity will help the fern grow. As the fern gets larger, use a spray bottle with a mist setting to gently moisten the leaves with room temperature water.

Rosalva Reichman

Reviewer

How long does a fern live?

Certain types of tree ferns are used as building materials. Lifespan of fern depends on the species. Some types of ferns can live up to 100 years.

Basmala Wenzl

Reviewer

Why are my outdoor ferns dying?

The two most likely causes of the ferns turning brown are normal browning or not enough water. Your ferns are under a tree and may not have gotten enough water during the hot dry week. They do best in moist soil. Normal browning of fern fronds usually occurs on the oldest fronds that are closest to the base.

Yurima Egea

Supporter

What to feed ferns in pots?

Water frequently to keep the soil evenly moist. Feed outdoor ferns with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food and indoor ferns with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food. Prune when the plant looks scraggly or has dropped a lot of leaves. Provide indoor Boston ferns with additional humidity as needed.

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