The burnished dark-green fern commonly call Boston fern – Nephrolepis exaltata“Bostoniensis ” – is really a sub - tropical native of the Caribbean , Polynesia and Africa . These evergreen perennials make dependable houseplant and can also begrownin USDA Zones 8 through 11 . They can be moved outside during the summer months in colder region and do well in shady areas .
Growing Boston Ferns
Boston fern have a few definite requirements . They necessitate bright , collateral swooning indoors , although they can be grown in partial or full shade outside . Moist , fertile soil that drains well is important , as they do n’t care waterlogged soil . These ferns do need some fertilizer but can suffer from over - fertilisation or from excess salts in the territory .
Choosing a Fertilizer
As long as you have the right NPK ratio – which is 10 - 10 - 10 or 20 - 20 - 20 – you have several options for fertilizer when it comes to Boston ferns . Among these are :
The Newly Planted Boston Fern
When you first buy or are given a Boston fern , it will do well in a potting mix of 60 percent peat moss and 40 percent coarse sand , perlite or vermiculite . If you are growing the flora outside , you’re able to employ safe garden stain with compost or leafage mold , but ameliorate with George Sand to raise drain . Additional fertilizer is unnecessary for the first four to six months .
Fertilizing Established Boston Ferns
Boston fern are not fast growers , and since they do n’t develop flow rate angry walk , source or fruit , have relatively low fertilizer need . use a dilute liquid plant food once a month during the growing time of year of April to September . For timed - release fertilizer or fertilizer stick , apply in April . Do not fertilize in the winter months , when the plant is sleeping .
Newly Propagated Boston Ferns
Like many perennial plants , Boston ferns reproduce by growing offsets . These typically lie of a duet of frond and a beginning hoi polloi that hang from the sides of an established Boston fern . They can be detached from the female parent plant andpottedor placed in the ground . These offspring are very sore to superfluous fertilizer and should not be prey until they are well - established – commonly one year honest-to-goodness .
Don’t Overdo
Excess fertilizer will kill a Boston fern . Container - grown plants are especially susceptible . The plant will developbrownedor dried fronds , leaf going and/or blackened roots . Even if you do n’t over - fertilize , salt be given to build up in the grunge . Flush container flora well with copious amount of distilled water once a month during the produce season . Allow to drain completely .
