What are the uses of Boston ferns?
Planting Boston Ferns in homes and offices help get rid of xylene and offer fresh air to breathe. Toluene is another harmful air pollutant found naturally in paint thinners, nail paints, inks, glues, and stain removers. Ferns are not of major economic importance, but some are used for food, medicine, as biofertilizer, as ornamental plants, and for remediating contaminated soil. They have been the subject of research for their ability to remove some chemical pollutants from the atmosphere.Water from the bottom always. Ferns do not like water on their frawns, it burns them and the new growth. They love light. Give them top light and water from the bottom (soak).Chemical herbicides are the quickest and most reliable way to kill ferns. If you don’t care about applying chemicals to your yard, buy a store-bought herbicide made for shrubs or invasive plants. You can buy herbicides from most garden centers or nurseries.While it’s true that some ferns can prove harmful to the touch, as they can cause skin irritation, the Boston fern isn’t one of them.
Do Boston ferns like full sun or shade?
Boston ferns are the perfect porch plant, as they thrive in lots of indirect light. Morning sun is ideal, as full afternoon sun can burn the fronds. In humid, subtropical areas of Florida (zones 10 to 12), Boston ferns make an attractive mid-height groundcover in areas with dappled shade. Propagation may also be achieved by dividing Boston fern plants. First, allow the fern roots to dry out a bit and then remove the Boston fern from its pot. Using a large, serrated knife, slice the fern’s root ball in half, then quarters, and finally into eighths.Indoor ferns should be fed once a month during the spring and summer using a 20-10-20 liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength. No fertilization is necessary during the late fall and winter months. Boston fern comes in several varieties that each vary in appearance.Rigorous pruning is great for a Boston fern, helping you keep it bushy and prevent leggy growth. Trim off the side fronds at the base, rather than stems in the center. Larger ferns, kept outdoors, can be cut back even more drastically. You can crop it down to 4” above the ground for the winter.Make sure you let the soil dry out a little before watering. And trim off any lower yellow and brown leaves to make way for fresh growth – your Boston Fern will benefit from a regular haircut.
Are Boston ferns poisonous to humans?
Toxicity. Boston Ferns are non-toxic and safe for pets and humans, making them a fantastic choice for households with furry friends or small children. One thing to remember when caring for your Boston fern is that they love attention! So, twice-weekly waterings and regular misting are a must.Your Boston fern needs a bright or lightly shaded spot in a warm room – keep it out of direct sun and away from draughts and radiators. It likes plenty of humidity so a steamy bathroom is ideal.Boston Fern Plant A Boston Fern plant when placed in front of the house attracts good luck, prosperity and fortune.Indoors as a houseplant, Boston fern appreciates medium to bright light. Keep it out of direct sun, especially during the afternoon hours. While the plant can tolerate low-ish light conditions, it does best where it casts a soft shadow much of the day.Rigorous pruning is great for a Boston fern, helping you keep it bushy and prevent leggy growth. Trim off the side fronds at the base, rather than stems in the center. Larger ferns, kept outdoors, can be cut back even more drastically. You can crop it down to 4” above the ground for the winter.
What are the disadvantages of the Boston fern?
Ferns do best in humid environments, so plants may suffer – the tips and edges of the pinnae may turn brown – in dry interiors, especially in the winter. Boston fern has few pests but scales and mealybugs can be a problem indoors and slugs may damage plants outdoors. What are some common problems with Nephrolepis ferns? Common issues include brown and crispy fronds (usually from dry air or under-watering), pest infestations, and root rot from overwatering.
How often should you water a Boston fern indoors?
Water weekly Boston ferns are thirsty plants and always need the soil to be slightly moist (but never soggy). If the soil dries out then you’re at risk of your plant quickly deteriorating. We recommend watering your fern twice a week and misting it in between. Boston Fern grows best in a humid atmosphere so mist frequently to hydrate the foliage.Especially for the ferns that are sensitive to low humidity, an occasional misting goes a long way toward boosting their health as well.Boston Fern: One of the original NASA-tested plants, these ferns have a long-standing reputation for their air-purifying qualities. They help you out by sucking up formaldehyde and raising the relative humidity in the room, which is great news for your indoor tropicals.Underwatering: If the soil dries out too much, ferns may drop leaves as a response to stress. Ensure that you keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.