Boston Fern

A soft, feathery Boston fern for bathrooms and shaded corners. Loves a little humidity and rewards you with a fountain of green fronds.

A steamy bathroom after showers is a treat for it. Keep the compost lightly moist and mist now and then if your flat runs dry in winter.

A little care, a lovely reward

• Where it lives. Happiest on a bathroom shelf or shaded living-room corner.
• Light. Soft light and a little humidity.
• Water. Keep the compost lightly moist, never sitting in a puddle. Ease off a little in winter.
• Around the family. Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, though no houseplant is a snack, so supervise curious toddlers and pets as you would with any pot plant.

Your questions answered

Is this a good houseplant for beginners?
It’s manageable for most people once you find its preferred light and watering rhythm. Start with a steady spot and check the compost with a fingertip before you water.

What size should I choose?
Smaller pots suit windowsills, desks and shelves. Larger sizes make more of a statement on the floor or beside furniture. Sizes available: 5.5cm pot / about 15cm tall, 12cm pot / about 28cm tall, 17cm pot / about 45cm tall.

Do I need a grow light?
Not usually, if you can offer the light described above. In a very dark flat, a simple white plant light on a shelf can help through midwinter.

The details

A little green for a bathroom shelf, chosen for real UK homes without a garden.