Boston fern
The Boston fern is a species of
fern in the family Davalliaceae , native to tropical regions throughout the world. It is common in humid
forests and
swamps, especially in northern
South America,
Mexico,
Central America,
Florida, the
West Indies,
Polynesia and
Africa.
The
fronds are 50-250 cm long and 6-15 cm broad, with alternate pinnae , each pinna being 2-8 cm long. The pinnae are generally deltoid, as seen in the picture to the right. The pinnate vein pattern is also visible on these highly compound leaves. The edges appear slightly serrate.
Encyclopedia
The
Boston fern is a species of
fern in the family Davalliaceae , native to tropical regions throughout the world. It is common in humid
forests and
swamps, especially in northern
South America,
Mexico,
Central America,
Florida, the
West Indies,
Polynesia and
Africa.
The
fronds are 50-250 cm long and 6-15 cm broad, with alternate pinnae , each pinna being 2-8 cm long. The pinnae are generally deltoid, as seen in the picture to the right. The pinnate vein pattern is also visible on these highly compound leaves. The edges appear slightly serrate.
Cultivation and uses
The Boston fern is a very popular
house plant, often grown in hanging baskets or similar conditions. It is a
perennial plant hardy in
USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11. Although the fern may appear totally dead due to frost, it will re-emerge in the spring. In general, the Boston Fern likes damp, but not soggy
soil that is rich in nutrients. Of the common cultivated ferns, the Boston Fern is the most tolerant to
drought. The fern thrives best in humid conditions, so when grown as a house plant it becomes necessary to mist the plant when relative humidity falls below around 80%. Although outdoors this plant prefers partial shade or full shade, inside it grows best in bright filtered light. This plant is usually propagated by division of the rooted runners, as named
cultivars will not produce true
spores.
Some cultivars have become naturalised in Florida.
References
