- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”)
Nephrolepis exaltata, the sword fern, is a species of fern in the family Lomariopsidaceae native to tropical regions throughout the world.
It is common in humid forests and swamps, especially in northern South America, Mexico, Central America, Florida, the West Indies, Polynesia and Africa. Also known as the Boston swordfern, wild Boston fern, tuber ladder fern, or fishbone fern — it is in the broader family of sword fern.
Nephrolepis exaltata is a very popular house plant, often grown in hanging baskets or similar conditions.
In general, the Boston fern likes damp, but not soggy soil that is rich in nutrients. Of the common cultivated ferns, the Boston fern is the most tolerant to drought.
The fern thrives best in humid conditions, so when grown as a house plant it becomes necessary to mist the plant when relative humidity falls below around 80%.
Although outdoors this plant prefers partial shade or full shade, inside it grows best in bright filtered light.