Boston Fern (11" HB)

Boston Fern Hanging Basket: A Southern Porch Classic

Nothing says "welcome home" like a Boston Fern swaying on a front porch, its soft, feathery fronds spilling gracefully from a hanging basket. It’s a true Southern tradition—simple, elegant, and a little wild at heart. Whether dressing up a breezy veranda or bringing life to a cozy nook indoors, the Boston Fern brings a sense of comfort, calm, and time-honored beauty wherever it’s placed.

A Fern with a Storied Past

The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’) made its American debut in the late 1800s and quickly became a favorite in parlors and porches across the South. Known for its lush, arching fronds and naturally cascading form, it brings a romantic, heirloom feel to any space. In Victorian homes, it was a symbol of refinement—and today, it still carries that same gentle elegance.

Where It Hangs Best

Boston Ferns thrive where the air is gentle and the light is kind:

• Outdoors: Best on shaded porches or under tree canopies—somewhere it can catch the light but not the heat. Ideal in zones 9–11 in warm months.

• Indoors: Hang in bright, indirect light, near a window where the sun filters in softly. It loves a spot where it won’t dry out too quickly.

It’s a wonderful seasonal plant outdoors, but also a year-round houseplant when brought in before frost.

Caring for a Porch Favorite

While it looks like it stepped out of a garden party in 1902, the Boston Fern is surprisingly down-to-earth when it comes to care:

• Light: Enjoys bright, filtered light—keep out of direct afternoon sun.

• Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but never soggy. Hanging baskets dry out faster, so check daily in summer.

• Humidity: High humidity keeps it happiest. A gentle misting or a nearby water tray works wonders.

• Trimming: Remove any brown or crispy fronds to keep it full and fresh.

With its airy green tendrils and timeless presence, the Boston Fern hanging basket is more than a plant—it’s part of the rhythm of Southern life. The kind of greenery that’s just as at home beside a rocking chair as it is in a bright corner of your home.

Let it sway in the breeze, greet guests with old-fashioned grace, and remind us that the best things in life grow slowly and beautifully.