Series: Spring Season
Boston Ferns are the ever-popular indoor plant often associated with Spring's arrival and a classic symbol of Easter and Mother's Day; used for decorations and gifting, but that's not all they are famous for.
You may think Boston Ferns were named after the patriotic town of Boston itself; well, if you guessed it, you'd be correct. Its name comes from its discovery as a natural variant of the species found in a large shipment of ferns sent from Philadelphia to Boston in 1894.
However, it wasn't Boston that made this plant come back into the houseplant scene since its height of popularity in the Victorian era. Little known fact and hardly mentioned, but the Swedish are the ones to credit for this Bostonian craze, stoking its popular revival in the 1970s.
"Perhaps the most lush of the '70s houseplant craze were ferns, which often garner a love-hate relationship with their owner. The big bushy leaves of the Boston fern (which was also extremely popular during Victorian times) took over living rooms and bathrooms."
The Spruce
You know you've seen a movie with that macrame-incased frondy wonder in the background. While it wasn't the only popular houseplant of the 70s, the Boston Fern was definitely sought over due to its lush look and ease of care.
If all these facts have undoubtedly piqued your interest, read on for more tips and tricks on caring for this green firework!
HOW TO CARE 4
Temps. + Light Needs:
To encourage growth indoors, place it near an East facing window so it can absorb a medium level of light.
Ferns are resilient and can tolerate low light (in a North facing window, although it does not favor these conditions.
Place in a cool and indirect spot.
Watering + Soil Needs:
This baby loves high humidity; bi-weekly misting makes it happy and helps avoid crunch and browning leaves. (You can add a pebble tray with water if you live in a drier environment).
Soil should be kept moist but not soggy, only allowing the surface to dry out.
Remember, while we head into the sunnier season, they need more water to avoid drying out unless you want a crisp dead fern. (During cooler Fall and Winter months, you can reduce the watering).
The positive news is that they are resilient and can bounce back if you forget or deliberately neglect them. Just return to consistent care and give it a nice haircut.
Hint: The key to success with this green machine is the right amount of moisture in the air and the soil.
MORE FUN FACTS
People often go for the Boston Fern because its indoor and outdoor hardiness makes it a desirable decor, especially during the summer, a fun and easy way to spice up the porch and other home areas.
"Gardeners can enjoy Boston ferns on a porch, grow them outside in dappled shade, or pot them near a window that gets bright, indirect light."
Southern Living
This plant can go by a few different names; sometimes called a sword fern or by its scientific name, Nephrolepis Exaltata Bostoniensis. As stated above, the Boston Fern was given this name as being a discovered species found in a large shipment of ferns sent from Philadelphia to Boston in 1894.
Another radical fact about Boston ferns is that they can reach two to three feet tall and wide and form green or bluish-green fronds that gracefully grow.
Given the right conditions, these plants can thrive for years, if not decades. It has become customary in some families that these ferns are often passed down from generation to generation.
"I have had a cultivar of this fern for over 30 years, passed down to me from my great-grandmother, and it has exclusively been growing in my home."
Grow In The Dark
Start your tradition today and grab a Boston Fern to give your home an excellent pop of green. Remember to follow the care tips above; you'll have a thriving plant in no time!
Are you wondering where you can pick one up? Check out your local Costco (WA & OR). If you snag one, snap a pic and tag us on Instagram (Link below will take you to our Insta Page). We'd love to see how you style your Boston Fern in your home!
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AND FERN!...FIN...TO THE SOURCES!!!
Camilleri, Lauren, and Sophia Kaplan. Plantopedia: The Definitive Guide to House Plants. Smith Street Books, 2020.
Coulter, Lynn. “The Ultimate Guide to Boston Ferns.” Southern Living, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2022, https://www.southernliving.com/garden/plants/boston-ferns.
Fuller, Taylor. “7 Plants Popular in the '70s That Are Trendy Again Now.” The Spruce, The Spruce, 25 Oct. 2021, https://www.thespruce.com/70s-plants-for-a-70s-vibe-5206730.
Mahr, Susan. “Boston Fern, Nephrolepis Exaltata ‘Bostoniensis.’” Wisconsin Horticulture, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2023, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/boston-fern-nephrolepis-exaltata-bostoniensis/#:~:text=The%20plant%20called%20Boston%20fern,Philadelphia%20to%20Boston%20in%201894.
Steinkopf, Lisa Eldred. Grow in the Dark. Cool Springs Press, 2019.
Steinkopf, Lisa Eldred. Houseplants: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Growing, and Caring for Indoor Plants. Cool Springs Press, 2017.
Valentine, Allis. “Plants of the Past: Popular 1970s House Plants.” House Plant Hobbyist, House Plant Hobbyist, 26 Sept. 2019, https://www.house-plant-hobbyist.com/blog/2019/3/15/plants-of-the-past-popular-1970s-house-plants.
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