Question
Hi,
My question is regarding Boston ferns.
I find that when i hang them outside in the summer they do
great.  When i have tried to bring them in they become limp and develop brown leaves.  I've tried moving them to different areas of the house.  Sun, shade, etc.  I end up throwing them out.  I would love to keep them indoors and enjoy them through the winter months too.

Answer
Sandy,

Maintaining proper levels of temperature and humidity are necessary for successful growth of the Boston fern. Boston ferns like cool locations with lots of humidity. If the air in your home is too dry, operating a humidifier will greatly increase the humidity level. Misting your Boston fern each day will also provide much needed humidity. When the leaves and fronds of the Boston fern become dry and brown, they should be removed in order to maintain an attractive appearance.

During active growth, this plant should be watered on a regular basis in order for the soil to remain moist. Distilled water is preferred over tap water because tap water often contains harmful chlorine. I recommend that the Boston fern is allowed to become dry between times of watering in fall and winter months. I also recommend setting the fern in a basin of water so it can soak up the moisture naturally.

In a warm dry home during the winter this plant can be a problem with dropping foliage. Personally I have stopped growing them for this reason. I choose, instead to grow Rabbit Foot ferns, During active growth, "Boston-type Ferns" says these plants should be watered on a regular basis in order for the soil to remain moist. Distilled water is preferred over tap water because tap water often contains harmful chlorine. It is recommended that the Boston fern is allowed to become dry between times of watering in fall and winter months. "BIG Boston Fern" recommends setting a potted fern in a basin of water so it can soak up the moisture naturally.

During active growth, "Boston-type Ferns" says these plants should be watered on a regular basis in order for the soil to remain moist. Distilled water is preferred over tap water because tap water often contains harmful chlorine. It is recommended that the Boston fern is allowed to become dry between times of watering in fall and winter months. "BIG Boston Fern" recommends setting a potted fern in a basin of water so it can soak up the moisture naturally.

Boston ferns are very picky and are messy during the winter, I can usually manage to keep them alive until spring and then put them outside. After a month they are beautiful again. For this reason I have stopped growing Boston ferns and instead I grow Rabbit foot fern, Davallia fejeensis. It is lacy and beautiful and not messy during the winter. You can google it to see pictures.

If you choose to keep boston ferns try growing them in the coolest location possible and perhaps with a cool humidifier in the same room. Good luck.

Darlene