When the question is raised, “How do you look after a fern?” the inquirer is almost always asking about the care and culture of Boston Ferns, Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis. This old time houseplant has fronds up to three feet long that droop gracefully. It is less stiff and formal than the species type which ranges from Florida to Brazil, through Africa, southern Asia, and down into Australia.
Since in the garden or wild, ferns are usually found flourishing in heavy shade, it is often assumed they will grow under similar conditions in the home. This is the first error. Boston Ferns enjoy filtered light, to the side of a south or west facing window, even suspended in an east or north window. With care, it is possible to raise such ferns close under artificial light such an the energy-saving “curly” neon bulbs.
