How to Care for Boston Fern
Comprehensive guide on how to care for Boston Fern and detailed cultivation methods for this plant. Keep reading for more!
The Boston Fern is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant. When cultivating, use loose and fertile slightly acidic soil, and place it in a semi-shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may slow down plant growth or even lead to withering and death. Also, the Boston Fern has strict requirements for water, and it is essential to master the watering methods and frequency to care for it properly. Let's discuss this in detail below.
1. Soil
The Boston Fern is resilient and adapts quickly to the environment. It is suitable for growing in loose, fertile, and well-draining slightly acidic soil. You can mix leaf mold soil, garden soil, and vermiculite in a ratio of 5:3:2 to make the growing medium. Sterilize it by exposing it to sunlight before use.
2. Light
The Boston Fern should not be placed in areas with strong sunlight. It can be grown in a semi-shaded area or where it receives scattered light. When growing in a courtyard, avoid placing it near walls and try to provide 60% shade, allowing it to receive about 4 hours of scattered light daily.
3. Watering
The Boston Fern has strict requirements for water, being intolerant to cold and afraid of waterlogging. Watering should be based on the dryness of the soil. Add water when the topsoil turns white, always keeping the soil moist but avoiding waterlogging, as this can cause root rot and leaf yellowing and dropping. During dormancy, water sparingly. Water 1-2 times a day in summer and use a spray bottle to spray water around the plant and on the leaves to maintain sufficient humidity.
4. Fertilizing
The Boston Fern does not require much fertilizer. During the growing season, fertilize every 15-20 days, focusing on nitrogenous fertilizers. Between April and September, fertilize every 15 days with diluted cake fertilizer water.
5. Pruning
When the plant grows vigorously with dense branches, pruning can be done to shape it. Remove long, disordered, and overlapping branches to improve ventilation and promote plant growth.
The above guide on how to care for the Boston Fern and detailed cultivation methods are introduced for your enjoyment and reference!