Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) – Live Indoor Fern Houseplant

The Boston Fern is one of the most popular and elegant indoor ferns, prized for its lush, gracefully arching fronds. Nephrolepis exaltata has been a beloved houseplant since the Victorian era, bringing a soft, natural charm to any interior space. Its cascading habit makes it a perfect choice for hanging baskets, plant stands, or as a striking tabletop display.

This plant thrives in humid environments, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and conservatories. With the right care, the Boston Fern will reward you with abundant, feathery green foliage that helps to purify the air in your home.

What You Receive

• 1 x Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) supplied as a live plant with a 2 litre root ball

Plant Care

• Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate fronds.


• Watering: Keep the compost consistently moist but not waterlogged. Boston Ferns prefer higher humidity, so mist the fronds regularly or place on a pebble tray filled with water.


• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 10°C and 24°C. Avoid cold draughts and proximity to radiators.


• Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser every two to four weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in autumn and winter.


• Repotting: Repot in spring when roots begin to fill the pot, using a peat-free houseplant compost that retains moisture well.

Cultural Information

• Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata


• Common Names: Boston Fern, Sword Fern


• Classification: Tender Evergreen Perennial Fern


• Fully Grown Height & Spread: 40–90 cm × 40–90 cm


• Growth Habit: Arching, Spreading Rosette of Fronds


• Perfect for: Hanging Baskets, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Conservatories, Shaded Rooms, Plant Stands


• Flowering Time: Non-flowering (Fern)


• Planting Position: Bright Indirect Light to Partial Shade


• Hardiness: Tender – Indoor Plant Only (Not Frost Hardy)


• Type: Tender Evergreen Fern


• Foliage: Bright Green, Gracefully Arching Pinnate Fronds


• RHS Hardiness Rating: H1c (requires heated glasshouse or indoor conditions)

Why Choose a Boston Fern?

• One of the most recognisable and elegant indoor ferns


• Graceful, arching fronds add texture and movement to your interior


• Excellent natural air purifier, helping to improve indoor air quality


• Thrives in humid rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens


• Low-light tolerant, ideal for rooms that do not receive direct sunlight


• A long-lived houseplant that becomes more impressive with age

Please Note: This is a live plant. Appearance may vary slightly from images shown, as each plant is unique. Plants are dispatched with care to ensure they arrive in the best possible condition.