How to Grow and Care for Chester Fern

The Chester Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Chester’) is a cultivar of the Boston Fern, distinguished by a more compact and textured appearance. Its fronds have a unique, crowded growth pattern that gives them a ruffled or crinkled look. This dense foliage creates a full, lush form, unlike the smoother, arching fronds of a common Boston Fern.

Chester Fern Care Guide

Chester Ferns perform best in bright, indirect sunlight. A north-facing window provides gentle light without the harshness of direct sun. Exposure to direct solar rays can scorch the fronds, leading to brown spots, while insufficient light may result in sparse and weak growth.

Maintain consistent soil moisture, keeping it evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. A good practice is to check the top inch of the soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water. Allowing the soil to dry out completely can cause the fronds to become dry and crispy.

A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is suitable, as it helps retain moisture without becoming overly saturated. This soil structure supports the fern’s fine root system by allowing for adequate air circulation while holding enough water to meet its needs.

These ferns flourish in high humidity. To increase humidity, mist the fronds with water a few times a week or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Temperatures for the Chester Fern should be between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24°C). During the spring and summer growing seasons, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength monthly.

Pruning and Repotting

Regular pruning helps keep the fern healthy and visually appealing. This involves trimming any fronds that have turned yellow or brown, which is a natural part of the plant’s life cycle. Cutting these spent fronds at their base encourages the plant to direct its energy toward new growth and maintain its compact shape.

Over time, your Chester Fern will need repotting to accommodate its growing root system. A clear sign it’s time for a new container is when roots emerge from the drainage holes or when growth has slowed significantly. The best time to repot is during the spring.

When moving the fern, select a container about two inches wider than the current one. This prevents the soil from staying wet for too long, which could harm the roots. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, inspect the root ball for any dead sections, and place it in the new container with fresh potting mix. Ensure the plant sits at the same depth it did previously to avoid stress.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you notice the tips of the fronds becoming brown and crispy, the cause is often environmental. This symptom points toward low humidity or a lapse in watering that allowed the soil to become too dry. Increasing humidity through misting or a pebble tray can help alleviate this issue.

Yellowing fronds can be an indicator of overwatering, which suffocates the roots and leads to decay. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage and that you allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Adjusting your watering frequency can prevent this from occurring.

Pests can affect Chester Ferns, particularly in conditions of poor air circulation. Spider mites and scale are common houseplant pests that may appear on the fronds. You can manage a small infestation by wiping the affected areas with a damp cloth. For more persistent problems, use an insecticidal soap following the product’s instructions.