Nephrolepis exaltata · Boston Fern

The plant shows a dense, cascading rosette of arching pinnate fronds typical of Nephrolepis species. Each frond is a single pinnate (once-divided) leaf with numerous small, narrow, slightly overlapping pinnae (leaflets) with finely serrated to entire margins, tapering to a point - characteristic of Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston Fern) or one of its cultivars. The growth habit (hanging basket, dense trailing fronds) and greenhouse context (visible alongside other hanging ferns and Platycerium/staghorn fern on the left) support this being a commonly cultivated fern for hanging display. However, other Nephrolepis species/cultivars (e.g., N. cordifolia 'Duffii', N. biserrata, or fishbone fern) can look similar, and without a clear view of the rhizome, spore pattern (sori arrangement on frond underside), or scale characteristics, I can't rule out a related cultivar with full certainty. A close-up of the frond underside showing sori placement, and the base/rhizome structure, would help confirm the exact species.

Generated 2026-08-14 22:57 by anthropic (claude-sonnet-5).

Light

Bright, indirect light; keep out of direct sun which scorches fronds, but avoid deep shade which causes leggy growth.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; water when the surface just starts to dry out, roughly every 5-7 days. Never let it dry out completely or fronds will brown and drop.

Nutrients

Feed with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring through fall; skip feeding in winter.

Repotting

Repot annually or every other year in spring once roots fill the pot; Boston ferns are vigorous growers and benefit from fresh mix and occasional division.

Soil media

Rich, well-draining potting mix high in organic matter -- a peat-based or standard potting soil with added perlite works well.

Temp & humidity

65-75F, avoid drafts and sudden temperature drops; needs high humidity (50%+) -- mist regularly or place on a pebble tray, especially in dry conservatory rooms.

Temperature range

🌡️ 65-75F

Humidity range

💦 50%+

Care group

🏷️ Low Light & Humid

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets; safe for public areas with foot traffic.

Pests & diseases

Watch for spider mites and mealybugs, especially in dry air; scale can also appear. Root rot occurs if overwatered or left in standing water, and fronds brown/drop readily if humidity is too low.

Propagation

Division at repotting -- separate rooted plantlets/runners from the main clump.

Generated 2026-08-21 17:43 by anthropic (claude-sonnet-5).