RHS boss fern, Boston fern, ladder fern
An evergreen fern to 1m tall, forming a large clump of narrow, arching, ladder-like, pinnate light green fronds to 2m long, the pinnae narrowly oblong or sickle-shaped; often produces young plants on runners. Good for air purification
0.5-1 metres
1-1.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow indoors or under glass in a peat-free multipurpose compost or a mix of 1 part loam, 2 parts sharp sand and 3 parts leaf mould, in bright filtered light, with moderate to high humidity and good ventilation. During the growing season, water moderately with soft water and apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Fronds can rot if they become too wet. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice
Propagate by spores, sow spores at 21°C (70°F) as soon as ripe. Separate rooted runners in late winter or early spring
Remove any dead fronds
May be susceptible to scale insects
Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to rot if fronds become too wet
