How to Grow Boston Ferns in Baskets

Use a commercial soilless potting mix in which to grow the Boston fern, or make your own. Combine 50 percent coarse peat, 35 percent perlite and 15 percent pine bark. Add 2 pounds of dolomitic limestone and 1 pound of superphosphate per 1/2 cubic yard of soil. Add micronutrients, according to the rates listed on the label.

Hang the Boston fern in an area where it receives indirect light. The experts at the University of Vermont suggest hanging it near a north-facing window. If the fronds turn yellow or brown, move the fern into a bit more light. Keep experimenting with light levels until you find the one that is ideal for your Boston fern.

Place a humidifier in the room where the Boston fern is hanging.

Keep the soil moist at all times. Don't water to the point that the soil is saturated. Keep an eye on the moisture content of the soil on sunny days when temperatures are warm. The Boston fern drops leaflets when it isn't getting enough water.

Fertilize the Boston fern with a half-strength houseplant food once a month. Discontinue fertilizing in September and resume in April.

Cut off dead fronds and yellow tips. This won't hurt the Boston fern and will make it look tidy.

Transplant the Boston fern when the roots fill the basket and the foliage turns grey. Slide it out of the basket and brush off the soil. Use a sharp knife to slice into the root ball on four sides. If you wish to divide the plant, this is the time to do it. Cut off small portions of the mother plant and plant them in individual pots.