Boston Sword Fern

If you want to turn your flat into a Victorian glasshouse, this is where you start. These wee Boston Ferns are homegrown right here in the S&S studio. We propagated them ourselves, and they are currently living in little 6cm starter pots, ready to go out into the world and get massive.

Boston Ferns are an absolute houseplant classic. They produce gorgeous, arching green fronds that look amazing tumbling off a high shelf or out of a hanging planter. They do, however, have a bit of a thirst. If you are a chronic under-waterer who forgets your plants exist for a month, this fern will punish you by raining crispy brown confetti all over your floor. But if you keep it consistently moist and out of the direct path of a roasting winter radiator, it will grow into a lush, green monster.

How to keep it happy:

Light: It wants bright, indirect light. Think a bright room but pulled back a bit from the glass. Direct, harsh sun will fry those delicate little fronds in no time.

Water: This is the golden rule for ferns: never let the soil dry out completely. Keep it consistently, slightly moist. If the tiny 6cm pot feels suspiciously light, give it a drink immediately!

Humidity: The true secret to a glorious fern. They love a steamy bathroom or a humid kitchen. If it's sitting in a dry living room, you will need to mist it regularly or pop it next to a humidifier.

Troubleshooting:

Crispy, shedding fronds? The classic Boston Fern tantrum. It means the air is too dry (Glasgow central heating is usually the culprit) or you let the soil dry out to dust. Give it a good soak and boost the humidity around it.

Pale or yellowing leaves? Usually a sign it's either getting blasted with too much direct sunlight or it has been sitting in soggy, waterlogged soil without draining.

Pet Safety:

✅ 100% Pet Safe. You can completely relax! Boston Ferns are non-toxic, which is great news because your cat is absolutely going to try and bat at those dangling fronds.