The Curly Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Emina’) is a popular indoor plant known for its distinctive, ruffled fronds. These finely-toothed, sword-shaped leaves twist and curve, creating a unique texture and a dense, upright appearance. More compact than traditional Boston ferns, its elegant cascading foliage makes it a favored choice for hanging baskets or as a standalone specimen, adding a vibrant green accent to any indoor space. This fern is also valued for its air-purifying qualities, contributing to cleaner indoor air by removing common household toxins, making it a beneficial addition to any home.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Curly Boston Ferns thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near an east or north-facing window to provide ample light without direct sun exposure. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate fronds, causing browning or yellowing. While they tolerate medium light, their foliage may become less dense.
Water
Consistent moisture is important for Curly Boston Ferns, but avoid soggy soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, allowing the top inch or two to dry slightly between waterings. During the spring and summer growing season, water every 2-3 days; reduce this to every 4-7 days in fall and winter. Pot size, humidity, and temperature influence the exact watering schedule.
Humidity
Curly Boston Ferns require high humidity, ideally 50-80%, to prevent brown leaf tips. Place the plant in naturally humid areas like bathrooms or kitchens. To increase humidity, regularly mist the fronds, place the pot on a pebble tray, or use a room humidifier. Grouping plants together also creates a more humid microclimate.
Soil and Fertilizer
Curly Boston Ferns prefer a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix that retains moisture. A suitable mix includes peat moss for moisture retention, combined with perlite or vermiculite for drainage. A blend of 50% potting soil, 20% sphagnum moss, 20% perlite, and 10% charcoal also works well. During spring and summer, fertilize every 2-3 weeks or 4-6 weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer at half strength. Reduce fertilizing to once every two to three months or stop entirely in winter.
Potting and Repotting
Repotting a Curly Boston Fern is needed every 2-3 years, or when root-bound signs appear like roots emerging from drainage holes. The optimal time is spring when the plant is actively growing. Choose a new pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter, as a larger pot can lead to root rot.
Before repotting, water the fern a couple of days in advance so soil clings to the roots. Gently remove the fern from its container, loosening any circling roots. Place fresh, well-draining potting mix at the bottom of the new pot, planting the fern at the same depth. Fill around the root ball, leaving about an inch from the rim, then water thoroughly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Brown leaf tips on a Curly Boston Fern often indicate insufficient humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing ambient humidity through misting or pebble trays, and maintaining a consistent watering schedule, can help resolve this. Yellowing leaves can signal either overwatering or underwatering, as well as nutrient deficiencies. Inspect the soil moisture to determine if it is too wet or too dry, and adjust watering accordingly; a balanced fertilizer may also be beneficial if nutrients are lacking.
Pest infestations, such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids, can also affect Curly Boston Ferns, causing discoloration and curling leaves. Regularly inspecting the undersides of fronds can help detect pests early. If pests are present, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap or neem oil for treatment.
Propagation
Curly Boston Ferns are most commonly propagated by division. To propagate, carefully remove the fern from its pot, shaking off excess soil to expose the root ball. Using a clean, sharp knife or shears, divide the root mass into smaller sections, ensuring each has healthy fronds and roots.
Prepare new pots with a well-draining potting mix. Plant each divided section, ensuring roots are covered, then water thoroughly. High humidity around newly potted divisions promotes faster root development. This process is best done in late winter or early spring before new foliage appears.