Question
QUESTION: I have a Boston Fern that I've had for two years now.  It is HUGE!  I put it outside (northern MN) during the summer, in the shade and it loves the humidity.  During the winter it does pretty well, in my south window, with some dropping of leaves, nothing major.  However, there is a LOT of dead ... stems? at the base of the plant.  I have been cutting out the dead stuff as much as possible, but there is getting to be so much.  Should I repot the plant?  If so, how should I prune away the dead foliage?  This fern is approximately 3 feet in diameter, and takes up most of my living room picture window.  I don't want to lose it.

ANSWER: Hi Laura,

That is what healthy potted Boston fern's do. They outgrow their pots and they push the plant upwards. As they do so, the older underneath fronds gradually die back as they are replaced by new ones on top.

The dead foliage has been accumulating slowly for a long time so there is no cause for alarm. You can prune them off as they will never recover. However, if they are out of sight, then you can leave them as they will cause no harm.

You have a couple of choices wit your fern. You can move it into a pot that is one size larger. Of course, it will continue to grow and spread and will eventually outgrow that pot as well.

If you don't want your fern to get any larger, then you can prune the roots or you can divide the plant.

Dividing simply means slicing straight through the rootball from top to bottom with a large, strong knife. You can then put each half in the smallest pots they will fit into. Fill in the empty space with fresh soil.

Root pruning means slicing off the bottom inch of the rootball and about a half inch all around the sides. Then put it back into the same pot and fill in the sides with fresh soil.

Disturbing fern roots always causes some trauma and you can expect a surge in yellowing fronds. But it will settle down and be fine shortly.

One other note: the fronds bruise easily so be as gentle as possible when repotting or cutting.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you!  If I repot the fern, how large will it get?  I have to admit, I've not seen a Boston much bigger than mine, even with a florist.

Do you have much knowledge about ficus trees?

Laura

Answer
Hi Laura,

There is no particular limit as to their size. There is not much market for really large Boston ferns. Who has room for them?! So florists don't usually carry humongous ones. I would love to see a photo of yours. With your permission, I might find a place for it on my website.

Yes, I have expert knowledge of Ficus trees and have written an article on their care. If you would like a copy, send a request to my email address. Or if you have  specific question, let me know.

~Will