Boston Fern Houseplant, 6-Inch Hanging Pot

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) brings lush texture to a bright indoor space with fresh green fronds that arch outward and soften the edges of a hanging pot. Display it near a filtered-light window or on a raised stand where its foliage has room to spread. Consistent moisture and humid air help keep this classic fern looking its best.

Points of interest

• Arching sword-shaped fronds lined with small green leaflets.
• A naturally spreading form suited to hanging baskets and elevated displays.
• Fresh growth adds lighter green accents among established fronds.
• Prefers attentive watering and humidity rather than dry conditions.

Current and estimated mature size

You receive one rooted Boston Fern in a 6-inch hanging nursery pot. Frond length, spread, and fullness vary; photos show representative plants, not an identical specimen. An established plant may reach approximately 2–3 feet in height and spread under favorable conditions. Container size, care, and pruning influence its eventual size.

Optional decorative planters

For a raised tabletop display, consider our White BASEL, Black BASEL, White OSLO, or Black OSLO. Decorative planters and additional hanging accessories are sold separately; the plant ships in its nursery pot. Each decorative planter has a 6.3-inch opening. Compare the actual nursery pot's widest rim, height, and hanger attachments before choosing a cover pot. The nursery hanger may need to be detached for tabletop styling. BASEL and OSLO have no drainage holes; use them with a removable inner pot that drains.

Care guide

• Light: Provide bright, filtered or indirect light. Protect delicate fronds from harsh direct sun. A dim location can slow growth and reduce fullness.
• Water: Keep the potting mix consistently lightly moist, not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the surface begins to dry and let excess water drain completely. Avoid letting the root ball dry out fully. Check more often during warm weather or in a bright room rather than following a fixed calendar.
• Soil: Use a moisture-retentive yet airy potting mix in a nursery pot with drainage holes. Our Rich Houseplant Soil Blend, sold separately, is an option; adjust aeration with perlite or fine bark as needed. Avoid compacted soil and pots sitting in water.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active spring and summer growth. Our 2 oz Slow-Release Fertilizer for Houseplants & Succulents is sold separately. Follow the label, avoid overfeeding or combining fertilizer schedules, and pause feeding when growth slows or the plant is stressed.
• Temperature: Keep in a mild, stable indoor environment, around 65–75°F when practical. Protect from frost, hot dry vents, cold drafts, and abrupt temperature changes.
• Humidity: Provide humid air with gentle circulation. A humidifier is more effective than relying on misting. If using a pebble tray, keep the pot above the waterline; never leave roots or the nursery pot standing in water.
• Maintenance: Trim brown or damaged fronds at their base with clean tools. Brown tips may reflect dry air, inconsistent moisture, or excess fertilizer. Inspect fronds for pests, and repot into a modestly larger draining pot when root growth warrants it.
• Display and cover-pot watering: Use a secure hanger rated for the watered container's weight or a stable raised surface. Remove the nursery pot from BASEL or OSLO before watering, let it drain fully, empty collected water, and return it only after drainage stops.

Pet safety: Boston Fern is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Discourage chewing, since eating plant material can still upset digestion.