As autumn paints the landscape in copper and gold, many gardeners face a familiar question: what to do with those lush, feathery Boston Ferns once temperatures dip?
Instead of letting Jack Frost claim them, bring those Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis' beauties indoors for a well-deserved winter rest. With the right preparation and care, your container and hanging Boston Ferns can thrive inside until Ma Nature cues spring's return!
These timeless, air-purifying houseplants don't just survive indoors! They refresh the air and fill your home with tropical texture. And the best part? Overwintered Boston Ferns return outdoors in spring, thicker and more vibrant than ever! Want to explore more varieties and Fern types? Visit our Growing Ferns Guide and see our roundup of the Best Ferns for Your Home.
- When and Why to Bring Boston Ferns Indoors
- Preparing Your Boston Fern for the Move Indoors
- Choosing the Right Indoor Spot
- Winter Watering and Feeding
- Reviving and Moving Ferns Back Outdoors in Spring
- Fronds Forever! The Joy of Wintering Boston Ferns
When and Why to Bring Boston Ferns Indoors
Native to the warm, humid forests of Florida, Mexico, Central and South America, these tropical Ferns earned their name in the late 1800s when a particularly graceful mutation was discovered in Boston, giving rise to the now-famous "Boston Fern".
These large Ferns may look resilient, but they're true tropicals at heart! Winter hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, so once nighttime temperatures dip near 50°F, it's time to act. Cold drafts, chilly rain, or even brief exposure to frost can damage their tender fronds!
Before moving them, give your Fern a light trim to remove any yellowed or crispy leaves. This helps reduce stress and pest hiding spots. Avoid heavy pruning, just tidy things up for the indoor season.
A good rinse with lukewarm water helps wash off dust, pollen, and any hitchhikers that may have hitched a ride outdoors. Let the plant drip-dry before bringing it inside.
Preparing Your Boston Fern for the Move Indoors
Preparation is key to keeping these green giants happy through winter.
- Inspect for pests: Check undersides of fronds and the soil surface for aphids, scale, or mealybugs. If found, wipe with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap.
- Clean and groom: Remove faded fronds and any debris from the pot.
- Refresh the soil: Scrape off the top inch of old potting mix and replace it with fresh, high-quality indoor potting soil.
- Repot if needed: If roots circle the base or the plant dries out too quickly, step it up one pot size.
This gentle spa treatment helps your Fern adjust to its new indoor rhythm.
Choosing the Right Indoor Spot
Boston Ferns crave bright, indirect light and moderate temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 75°F. Avoid direct sun that can scorch the fronds, and keep them away from heating vents or cold drafts.
Humidity is the secret ingredient to overwintering success! When indoor air gets dry, your fern feels it first. Here's how to keep that humidity sweet spot:
- Mist the fronds daily or every other day with room-temperature water.
- Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (without letting the roots sit in it).
- Group houseplants together to create a microclimate of shared moisture. (Get inspired with our hardy container garden design ideas.)
Hanging Boston Ferns love being near east-facing windows, bathrooms with natural light, or even bright kitchens where humidity stays higher.
Winter Watering and Feeding
Your Fern's growth naturally slows during the cooler months, so adjust watering accordingly. Keep the soil lightly moist, never soggy. Let the top inch of soil dry slightly between waterings. Use the Finger Test to gauge moisture levels accurately.
Avoid fertilizing during winter dormancy. Once spring light lengthens and new growth appears, you can resume feeding with a diluted, balanced houseplant fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
It's normal for a few fronds to yellow or drop during this adjustment. Simply snip them away to make room for fresh growth. With patience and consistent humidity, your Fern will stay lush all winter. (Learn more about winter indoor plant care.)
Reviving and Moving Ferns Back Outdoors in Spring
When warm weather returns and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 55°F, it's time to reintroduce your fern to outdoor life.
Reverse the acclimation process:
- Start in shade: Place your fern outside in a sheltered, shaded area for a few hours each day. (Visit our guide to shade perennials to pair them with compatible plants.)
- Gradually increase exposure: Over 7–10 days, increase outdoor time and light exposure until it's fully adjusted.
- Prune for renewal: Trim away old or tired fronds to encourage vigorous new growth.
- Refresh the soil again: Add compost or top-dress with slow-release fertilizer before returning to full-time outdoor life.
Fronds Forever! The Joy of Wintering Boston Ferns
Bringing Boston Ferns indoors is a rewarding ritual that keeps a little slice of summer green through the long winter months. With proper humidity, gentle watering, and a bit of patience, your fern will rest, revive, and burst back into life come spring.
Let those lush fronds remind you that even during winter's dormancy, life quietly renews itself, ready to unfurl again when the light returns. You can also explore patio garden ideas for placing them outdoors next season.
Happy Planting!
