Marianne's Response

How to grow a Boston Fern indoors

Hello Marianne,

I have killed one Boston Fern, and I am worried about the one I am trying to keep alive now. I have a container of Osmocote and I am wondering if it is safe to use and how much for a 10″ pot. I have read that they should sit on a bed of pebbles, do not want roots to be wet, and should be misted every 3 days. When I lift the ferns to mist the underside I see lots of brown – should that be clipped off? I have this plant in a window with defused light rather than bright sunlight. Are there any tips you can give me to keep it alive? Again, should I use the Osmocote? If yes, can I just lay it on top of the soil or do I have to mix it in?

Posted by Rosemary Anderson on November 2, 2015

Marianne's Response

First, congratulations on trying again to grow a Boston Fern. This house plant can be tricky, but it sounds like you are doing the right things this time around. Keeping it out of direct sun, and the pebbles under the pot both help to prevent root rot. The brown fronds under the green fronds are natural and it is your choice to remove them or not. I would use the Osmocote just once a year on the fern, sprinkling one teaspoon on top of the soil. No need to mix it into the soil. Now look forward to a lush green fern in your future. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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