Question
We have a Boston Fern that I have had for approximately 10 years.  It approximately 4 feet across.  Lately, it hasn't looked quite as thick and healthy as it usually looks.  Roots are coming out of the pot and it is dense with dried fern stems that I was originally keeping in order to fluff if up nicely.  Please advise on what type of soil I should use for repotting.  Should I trim the roots then put it back in the same pot after scrubbing the pot out?

Answer
Hi Mary Alice,

Sounds like your Boston fern is thriving and quite healthy. They do develop very heavy root systems as they grow. When they get very potbound, it is hard to keep the roots sufficiently moist and some of the older fronds will brown and die.

If you want yours to continue to get larger, then move it into a pot one size larger. Use a peat-based potting mix. Loosen the roots around the outside of the rootball before you repot.

If you want to keep your fern at its present size, then root pruning is the way to go. Simply slice off the outer half inch of rootball all around and from the bottom. Use peat-based potting soil to add a half-inch layer of soil to the bottom of the pot and to fill in around the sides. Unless there is evidence of disease, there is no need to scrub the pot.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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