Everything You Need to Know About Boston Fern — Care, Planting & More
The quintessential hanging basket plant — Boston fern drapes lush, feathery cascading fronds from every Filipino veranda, carport, and covered patio, thriving effortlessly in the natural humidity of P...
About Boston Fern
The quintessential hanging basket plant — Boston fern drapes lush, feathery cascading fronds from ev...
Boston fern — known locally simply as "hanging fern" or "sword fern" — is arguably the most recognizable fern in the world, a fixture of Filipino verandas and carports where its lush, arching fronds cascade gracefully from hanging baskets in every neighborhood. The cultivar Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis' belongs to the family Nephrolepidaceae and was selected for its uniquely graceful, drooping frond habit that distinguishes it from the stiffly upright wild sword fern species. While many houseplants have come and gone from fashion, the Boston fern has remained a constant in Filipino homes for generations — a testament to its perfect compatibility with Philippine growing conditions.
The secret to Boston fern's enduring popularity in the Philippines is simple: it thrives in exactly the conditions that Filipino outdoor living spaces provide. The high humidity (65-85%) of Philippine air, the bright but indirect light of covered verandas and patios, and the warm tropical temperatures create an ideal environment where Boston ferns grow with minimal intervention. Walk through any Filipino residential neighborhood and you will see Boston ferns hanging from every other porch, carport, and balcony — often enormous, magnificently full specimens that have been growing in the same basket for years, watered daily and otherwise left to flourish in the humid tropical air.
The Boston fern's origin story is one of horticulture's most serendipitous discoveries. In 1894, a shipment of wild sword ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) from Philadelphia arrived at a florist in Boston, Massachusetts.
How to Plant Boston Fern in the Philippines
Soil, spacing, and the best planting approach for Philippine conditions.
Boston fern is one of the most affordable and widely available ornamental plants in the Philippines. Small to medium plants cost just ₱50-100 at plant stalls, hardware garden sections, weekend tiangge markets, and even sidewalk vendors. Larger, fuller hanging specimens run ₱100-200 — still remarkably affordable for the dramatic visual impact they provide. The plant's ease of propagation through division means that many Filipino plant owners receive their Boston fern as a gift or division from family and neighbors rather than purchasing it.
Care Guide
Keep your Boston Fern healthy and thriving.
Bright indirect light — the sweet spot for Boston fern. Dappled light through trees, the filtered light of covered patios and verandas, or positions near east-facing windows indoors provide ideal conditions.
High — Boston fern is significantly more water-demanding than most houseplants. The soil should remain consistently moist (not waterlogged) at all times — think "wrung-out sponge" moisture level.
Moisture-retentive but well-draining mix. Coco peat + perlite + compost (3:1:1) with optional sphagnum moss for extra water holding.
Humidity is the critical factor for Boston fern success — the plant needs 50-80% relative humidity, and this is exactly where the Philippines shines.
Light feeder — ferns are sensitive to fertilizer and over-feeding causes more problems than under-feeding.
Regular grooming keeps Boston fern looking its best. Remove brown, dead, and yellowing fronds by cutting at the base — this redirects energy to healthy growth and improves air circulation within the dense crown.
Get the Right Soil & Services
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View Services →Growing Medium Options
Best soil and medium choices for Boston Fern.
Coco Peat Mix in Hanging Basket
BestCoco peat + perlite + compost (3:1:1) in a coconut coir-lined wire hanging basket — the classic and best setup for Boston fern in Philippine conditions. The coir liner provides excellent drainage and air circulation to roots while the moisture-retentive mix keeps the root ball consistently damp. The hanging position showcases cascading fronds and provides the air circulation ferns love.
Standard Pot with Saucer
GoodPlastic or ceramic pot with drainage holes, filled with the same coco peat mix. Works well for tabletop, shelf, or pedestal display where hanging is not possible. Place on a pebble tray (tray filled with pebbles and water) to boost humidity around the plant. The saucer catches drainage but should never hold standing water for extended periods.
Pure Water Culture
Not IdealWhile Boston fern roots can survive in water temporarily (for propagation or transitional periods), long-term water culture is not ideal. The roots are adapted to aerated soil conditions and prolonged submersion leads to oxygen deprivation and decline. LECA or semi-hydro setups with a water reservoir can work better than pure water, but soil-based growing remains the most reliable method for long-term Boston fern health.
Ornamental Uses
How to use Boston Fern in your garden and home.
Boston fern's ornamental value lies in its cascading form — few other plants create such a dramatic waterfall of greenery from an elevated position. The soft, feathery texture and vivid emerald color bring a distinctly tropical, lush atmosphere to any space. As a hanging plant, it occupies vertical space that would otherwise be empty, making it ideal for small Filipino homes and apartments where floor space is limited.
- Veranda and porch ceiling: The iconic Filipino display — rows of Boston ferns hanging from veranda rafters, creating a green curtain that softens architecture and provides a welcoming, natural atmosphere. Multiple specimens at varying heights create layered depth
- Carport and covered parking: Boston ferns hung from carport ceilings transform utilitarian spaces into garden-like environments. The shade and shelter of carports provide ideal growing conditions, and the plants soften the concrete and metal materials
- Balcony railing planters: For condo and apartment dwellers, Boston ferns in railing-mounted planters provide the cascading greenery of a garden on a small balcony. The fronds drape over the railing edge for dramatic effect
- Bathroom and indoor humidity zones: Placed on high shelves or hung from ceiling hooks in bathrooms, Boston ferns thrive in the humidity of showers and create a spa-like atmosphere
- Vertical garden element: Boston ferns fill the "cascading" layer in vertical garden compositions, complementing upright plants and trailing vines for full-coverage living walls
- Event and wedding decor: Large Boston ferns in decorative urns or hanging installations create instant lush greenery for outdoor Philippine events, receptions, and church decorations
- Shade garden accent: Planted in ground beds beneath trees, Boston ferns provide soft-textured ground cover in shaded areas where most ornamental plants struggle
- Restaurant and cafe ambiance: Hanging Boston ferns create the "garden dining" atmosphere popular in Filipino restaurants, particularly in al fresco and semi-outdoor dining areas
Safety & Environmental Benefits
Toxicity info and air quality benefits.
Humans: Boston fern is completely non-toxic to humans. No part of the plant contains harmful compounds. It is safe for homes with small children who might touch or even mouth the fronds. The plant has no irritating sap, no sharp edges (fronds are soft and flexible), and no allergenic properties. This makes it one of the safest ornamental plants available — suitable for nurseries, schools, hospitals, and elderly care facilities without any toxicity concerns.
Boston fern holds a distinguished position in indoor air quality science — the NASA Clean Air Study (1989) ranked it among the most effective houseplants for removing formaldehyde from indoor air. Formaldehyde is one of the most pervasive indoor pollutants, continuously released by plywood, particleboard furniture, carpeting, glues, cleaning products, and even clothing.
Common Pests & Diseases
Spot issues early and keep your plant healthy.
Scale insects
Small brown bumps on frond stems (rachis) that suck sap, causing yellowing and weakening. The most common Boston fern pest in the Philippines. Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs or spray with neem oil. Heavy infestations may require systemic insecticide. Inspect regularly during grooming sessions.
Mealybugs
White, cottony masses in frond axils and on frond undersides. Sap-sucking pests that weaken the plant and excrete honeydew promoting sooty mold. Treat with neem oil spray, alcohol-dipped cotton swabs, or insecticidal soap. Good air circulation and regular inspection prevent major infestations.
Slugs and snails
Particularly problematic for ground-level or low-hanging Boston ferns in Philippine gardens during wet season. They chew irregular holes in fronds. Use beer traps, copper barriers, or hand-pick at night. Hanging baskets at height avoid this pest entirely.
Root rot (Pythium)
Caused by waterlogged soil with poor drainage — less common in well-drained hanging baskets but problematic in dense, compacted potting mix. Symptoms: overall wilting despite moist soil, blackened mushy roots, foul odor. Prevention: well-draining mix, drainage holes, avoid compacted soil. Repot in fresh mix if detected early.
Leaf tip burn (environmental)
Not a disease but the most common aesthetic problem — brown, crispy frond tips caused by low humidity, direct sun exposure, over-fertilization, or water quality issues (high chlorine or salt). Trim affected tips, address the underlying cause. In most Philippine conditions, this is primarily an indoor air-conditioning problem.
Fungal leaf spots
Brown or black spots on fronds during periods of high moisture with poor air circulation (overcrowded fronds, stagnant air). Improve air circulation by thinning dense growth, avoid overhead watering that keeps fronds wet for extended periods. Remove affected fronds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Boston Fern.
Is Boston fern safe for pets?
Yes — ASPCA lists Boston fern as NON-TOXIC to dogs and cats. One of the safest hanging plants for pet households. Cats may chew the dangling fronds, but this causes no toxic reaction (only mild stomach upset from fiber). A top pet-safe alternative to toxic hanging plants like pothos and philodendron.
Why are my Boston fern leaves turning brown and crispy?
Almost always: low humidity or underwatering. Boston ferns need 50-80% humidity and consistently moist soil. Air conditioning is the #1 indoor culprit — it dries both air and soil rapidly. Solutions: mist daily, use pebble trays, move to bathroom/veranda. Also check for: too much direct sun (scorching), over-fertilization (tip burn), or dried-out root ball.
How often should I water my Boston fern in the Philippines?
Outdoor hanging baskets: DAILY during dry season, every 1-2 days during wet season. Indoor pots: every 2-3 days. Soil should stay consistently moist like a wrung-out sponge — never bone dry. If root ball dries completely, submerge pot in water for 15-30 minutes to rehydrate.
Can Boston fern grow in full sun in the Philippines?
No — direct Philippine sun scorches fronds rapidly. Bright INDIRECT light is ideal: covered verandas, under trees, east-facing windows. Early morning sun (before 9 AM) is tolerable. The wild relative N. biserrata seen throughout the Philippines also grows in shaded, humid spots — never exposed full sun.
Does Boston fern purify air?
Yes — NASA ranked it among the TOP air-purifying plants, especially effective at removing formaldehyde. Also removes xylene and toluene. Additionally acts as a natural humidifier through high transpiration rates — releasing moisture into dry air-conditioned spaces. Excellent for new condos and recently furnished offices.
How do you propagate Boston fern?
Division (easiest): cut root ball into 2-4 sections with fronds and roots, pot individually. Also produces runners (stolons) with small plantlets — pin to moist soil, sever when rooted. Best done at start of wet season (June). One mature plant yields 3-4 new plants. Spore propagation is possible but impractical for home growers.
What is the difference between Boston fern and native Philippine ferns?
Boston fern is a cultivated variety selected in 1894 for graceful arching fronds. Its wild relative N. biserrata (giant sword fern) is NATIVE to the Philippines — found on trees, walls, and fences everywhere. N. biserrata is larger (fronds up to 1-2m), more vigorous, and tougher for outdoor landscaping. Boston fern is more compact and refined for ornamental hanging display.
Why is my Boston fern dropping leaves?
Most common causes: underwatering/low humidity (sheds inner leaflets first), environmental shock (adjust gradually to new positions), natural aging (old inner fronds drop), rootbound stress (divide when overcrowded), or insufficient light. Some leaf litter is normal — Boston ferns naturally shed old leaflets regularly.
Sources
References used in this guide.
- Plants of the World Online — Nephrolepis exaltata. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Wolverton, B.C. et al. (1989). Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement. NASA.
- ASPCA — Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant Lists — Nephrolepis exaltata (Non-Toxic).
- Jones, D.L. (1987). Encyclopaedia of Ferns. Timber Press.
- Hoshizaki, B.J. & Moran, R.C. (2001). Fern Grower's Manual. Timber Press.
This guide is for informational purposes. Boston fern is non-toxic and safe for households with pets and children.
