Felce di Boston

Class

Equisetopsida

Division

Streptophyta

Family

Polypodiaceae

Order

Polypodiales

Genus

Nephrolepis

Species

exaltata

Description

A rhizomatous evergreen fern with a bushy, globular habit, popular in interior design for its long, brightly pinnate, arching fronds that lend an accent of elegance and refinement. Also suitable for green walls and hanging pots. Present with an assortment of cultivars that differ mainly in growth vigour as well as in the morphology and colour shades of the foliage.

Variety description

The ferns currently found on the market are not the wild species of forest wetlands. They require more light than their native areas. They are decorative plants for many environments. They are suitable for use on vertical green walls.

Curiosities and special features

Commonly called 'Boston fern' because the natural variant, N. exaltata var. Bostoniensis, was discovered during a botanical expedition and sent from Philadelphia to Boston in 1894 where it was identified.

Origin and distribution

Species native to tropical and subtropical America where it grows as an epiphyte; already widespread as an indoor plant in England in the 1800s.

Leaf

The evergreen, slightly arched fronds have pinnate lamina.

Leaf colour

The homogenous shade of the foliage creates a visual focal point, lending elegance to the spaces in which the plant is placed.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 0.5 m, making it also suitable for indoor tanks.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

Due to the size it has reached and the elegance of its foliage, it is suitable as a plant for vertical walls, indoor tanks.

Growth

Growth gives the plant a compact and well-proportioned yet light habitus due to its long fronds.

Plant habit

Growht habit is bushy.

Branching

Theabundant branching gives the foliage high density.

PH

It requires a slightly acidic pH of the medium, with optimum values between 5.5 and 5.8.

Sun exposure

Suitable for the following types of exposure: light source indoors, light shade.

In indoor spaces it must have good light otherwise it defoliates very easily; it can also be exposed in sunny areas such as glass windows but without direct sunlight.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 25 °C. The vital temperature is between 5 and 45 °C. It also requires a high ambient humidity; in dry rooms with little light, yellowing and leaf drop occurs.

Use

In relation to its climatic requirements, it is widely used in:
Interior ornamental Interior landscape design

Hardiness

Of average hardiness, it is an indoor plant in cold climates that requires high diffuse light.

Soil

Use a good quality substrate, specifically for potted green plants, which is light and well draining.

Difficulty

Under the right environmental conditions, the cultivation of Boston Fern is fairly easy.

Growing tips

Here are some specific cultivation measures to achieve better vegetative development:
Balanced fertilisation Always keep the substrate moist Prefers slightly calcareous water Requires little but regular fertilisation

Propagation

In its places of origin, reproduction is by spores. In cultivation, vegetative multiplication by stolon division is more easily used.

Watering

Correct hydration of the substrate after potting avoids severe stress and slowing down of the vegetative recovery. Apply low-lime, non-cold water to the substrate regularly but without over-watering causing water stagnation. Avoid letting the lump dry out otherwise the leaves will dehydrate easily and do not water the plant from above so as not to open up the vegetation. If possible, keep an under pot with a constantly damp cloth so as to create moisture around the plant, the vegetation can also be moistened by lightly spraying with non-calcareous water without letting the leaves drip.

Fertilising

During the spring-summer period, apply a specific liquid fertiliser for green plants directly to the medium, to be diluted in the irrigation water according to balanced doses and frequencies. Excessive fertilising, particularly with a dry medium, can lead to leaf burns.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Tip

If possible, keep an underpot with a moist cloth so that moisture is created around the plant. The vegetation can be moistened without the leaves dripping. Dry environments with little light cause the leaves to yellow and drop.