Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepis exaltata, more commonly known as boss fern, is a herbaceous perennial native to the Americas.  Gorgeous, sword-shaped foliage sporting innumerable individual blue-green leaflets grows upward from out of the plant's center until their size causes them to arch down.  Boss ferns make fantastic indoor plants due to their rather minimal needs, preference for diffused light, and their ability to provide vibrance to any space.  Alternatively, boss ferns are an excellent choice for hanging plants and are well at home in swampy or forested lawns and gardens.  Though a harsh frost can leave a boss fern looking completely lifeless, having died back, they can re-emerge during the spring on account of their hearty constitution.  

Bright, diffused window light or the filtered morning and afternoon sunlight is all a boss fern should need to thrive.  Outdoor plants should be kept somewhere they are shielded from the intense midday sun as it will scorch the delicate foliage.  Loamy soils with large concentrations of organic matter are ideal for growing boss fern and benefit from the addition of some peat moss to improve drainage.  Boss ferns need their soil to be kept lightly moistened to grow robustly.  Indoor plants will likely need to be watered weekly during the spring and summer, while outdoor plants in very warm climates may require slightly more frequent waterings.  Testing the soil by touch regularly is highly recommended, as the foliage can drop off rapidly if the plant becomes too dry.  Providing a wet tray of pebbles or regular misting can help to mimic the humidity of the boss fern's natural environment and help to keep the plant moist when conditions are dry.  Amend outdoor plants with a bit of compost and mulch annually to keep them thriving.  Indoor and potted plants should be fed with a half-concentration of 20-10-20 liquid fertilizer specialized for houseplants, but only during the growing season.  

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3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Nephrolepis Exaltata

Nephrolepis exaltata

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