Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
Nephrolepis Exaltata (Boston Fern) is a classic, lush houseplant featuring arching, bright green fronds lined with tiny, sword-shaped leaflets. Native to humid swamp forests in Central/South America and Florida, it has been a favorite indoor hanging accent for decades, admired for its soft texture and air-cleaning performance.
Native Origin & Climate
Humid, subtropical swamp forests and shaded creek banks. Thrives in humid Australian coastal regions and bathrooms.
Expert Pruning Tip
Cut old, brown, or shriveled fronds near the base to keep the fern looking bushy and fresh. Rotate the hanging pot regularly for even growth.
In-Situ Environment
Urban Botanics Art
Botanical Blueprint
Localized Australian Care Taxonomy
Intermediate. Requires high humidity and moist soil. It will shed leaflets dramatically and shrivel if allowed to dry out or placed in dry air.
Bright, indirect light. Dappled shade is ideal. Protect completely from direct sun, which will bleach and burn the delicate leaflets.
High. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water as soon as the surface of the soil begins to feel dry. Needs regular hydration.
Rich and moisture-holding. Blend 60% standard indoor mix with 30% peat moss or coco coir and 10% perlite to hold moisture without compaction.
Needs high humidity (50%+). Grows outdoors easily in Sydney and Brisbane. Indoors, place in bathrooms, near a kitchen sink, or mist daily in dry states.
Division of runners or rhizomes. Gently split the root ball into halves during spring repotting and plant in fresh, moist soil.
Soft, arching, and cascading. Lacy, bright-green sword-shaped fronds that trail beautifully from high shelves or hanging baskets.
Hanging planters, high shelf edges in bathrooms or kitchens, or shaded verandas and patios out of the wind.
Indoor
Safe:Completely non-toxic to cats, dogs, and children. A safe and beautiful choice for any pet-friendly space.
Local Availability
Compare prices from leading Australian nurseries
Bunnings Warehouse
Flower Power
* Aussie Botanica is supported by our readers. When you click our links to nurseries, we may earn a small referral commission at no additional cost to you. Stock levels are estimated and subject to local store variations.