Fern Hanging AKA Nephrolepis exaltata, Bostoniensis, sword fern The Boston fern is a popular fern species that grows in many tropical areas around the world. It is commonly kept as a houseplant, especially because it doesn’t have high sunlight needs. The foliage of this fern remains evergreen. Its sword-shaped, blue-green fronds with many tiny leaflets are erect and arch as they grow larger. Boston ferns are mainstays of hanging baskets on balconies and porches. Light: Boston ferns need a cool place with high humidity and indirect light. When you care for Boston fern plants indoors, it’s a good idea to provide additional humidity for them, especially in the winter. For extra humidity care for Boston fern, try setting your fern’s pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water. You can also try lightly misting your fern once or twice a week to help it get the humidity it needs. Water: keep your fern’s soil moist but not soggy. Slightly reduce watering during the winter. Dry soil is one of the number one reasons that Boston ferns die. Be sure to let it drain thoroughly after this. Boston fern leaves will turn yellow if the humidity is not high enough. If your Boston fern’s fronds are turning yellow, make sure to increase the humidity around the plant. If your fern does briefly dry out and the fronds turn brown and die, you can probably revive it by cutting off all of the dead foliage at ground level and keeping the soil moist while it regenerates.