Boston Fern

    Boston Fern - please refer to plant caretag for specific variety information

Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis

Features - Arching, bright green fronds. Fronds form on creeping rhizomes. They are feather-like and arch or hang if grown in a basket.

Size - Fronds can grow up to 36" in length (90 cm).

Height - The plant can get quite large (7.6 m or 25' tall, with leaves up to 2.7 m or 9' long). Select an area large enough to accommodate their eventual size.

Soil and water - One part sterilized loam, one part coarse sand or perlite, half to one part sphagnum peat moss. Water frequently and thoroughly, keeping soil evenly moist without letting plant sit in water. Mist regularly. Provide adequate drainage to prevent root rot.

Light requirements - Prefers low light with high humidity.

Best use - Best in hanging baskets or containers.

Growing tips - Fertilize every monthly with an all purpose fertilizer. Mist frequently with room temperature water (lime free to avoid leaf staining) and avoid drafts. Place pebbles or gravel in the drainage dish to hold water and increase the humidity, make sure the pot is sitting on the gravel and not in the water if the plant is in a pot.

The tropical garden

A tropical garden features tropical plants and requires good rainfall or a decent irrigation or sprinkler system for watering. These gardens typically need fertilizer and heavy mulching.

Tropical gardens are no longer exclusive to tropical areas. Many gardeners in colder climates are adopting the tropical garden design, which is possible through careful choice of plants and flowers. Main features include plants with very large leaves, vegetation that builds in height towards the back of the garden, creating a dense garden. Large plants and small trees hang over the garden, leaving sunlight to hit the ground directly.

The more your local climate differs from the natural habitat of your plants, the more challenging it can be to maintain your tropical garden. Lots of light and lots of water are key elements for success. The large leaves that feature in tropical plants require the soil to be humid at all times, so irrigation is critical depending on the specific varieties in your garden. Although be careful not to over-watering as it will cause the roots to rot.

A tropical plant that is not cold-hardy should be brought indoors during the winter and returned to the garden for the summer.