How to Grow and Care for Emerald Queen Fern

The Emerald Queen Fern, Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Emerald Queen’, is a popular and robust cultivar of the classic Boston Fern. It is distinguished by its lush, emerald-green fronds that grow in a more upright, yet gently arching, manner. This growth habit makes it a versatile houseplant, suitable for placement on tabletops or in areas where space might be limited. The Emerald Queen is a relatively hardy and classic choice for indoor greenery.

Emerald Queen Fern Care

Light

Proper lighting is a significant factor for the Emerald Queen Fern. This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal location is in front of an unobstructed north or east-facing window, which provides sufficient light without the harshness of direct sun. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the fronds, while insufficient light may lead to stunted growth and a loss of foliage density. While ferns are often associated with shade outdoors, indoors they require ample filtered light to flourish.

Water

Consistent moisture is important for the Emerald Queen Fern. The soil should be kept evenly moist but never waterlogged, as this can lead to root issues. A reliable method to determine when to water is to feel the top inch of the soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water. Depending on the light and humidity of its environment, this could mean watering twice a week or more. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, which can cause the fronds to wilt and discolor.

Soil

The right soil composition supports the fern’s need for moisture retention and drainage. A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is highly recommended. An effective blend often includes peat moss, coco coir, or sphagnum moss to hold moisture, combined with perlite or sand to ensure excess water can drain away. This type of medium helps maintain the moist conditions these ferns prefer without becoming saturated.

Temperature and Humidity

This fern prospers in high humidity and typical indoor temperatures between 55-80°F (10-27°C). While it can tolerate average household humidity better than some other fern varieties, its appearance benefits greatly from increased moisture in the air. Locating the fern in a naturally humid room like a kitchen or bathroom can also be an effective strategy.

Fertilizer

To encourage vigorous growth, feed your Emerald Queen Fern during its active growing season. A balanced liquid fertilizer, or one specifically for ferns, can be applied every two weeks from spring through summer. Alternatively, use the fertilizer at half-strength once a month. As the plant’s growth slows in the fall and winter, fertilizer applications should be reduced or stopped until the following spring.

Propagating the Emerald Queen Fern

Creating new Emerald Queen Ferns is most successfully done through division, a process best performed during repotting in the spring. This method allows you to multiply your plant while also managing its size. Begin by carefully removing the fern from its pot, handling the root ball gently. Once removed, inspect the root system and identify natural sections.

Using your hands or a clean, sharp knife, separate the root ball into smaller sections. Ensure that each new division has a healthy portion of roots and several green fronds attached. After dividing, pot each new section into its own container with fresh potting mix. Water the new plants well and place them in an area with bright, indirect light to encourage recovery.

Common Problems and Solutions

If you notice the tips of the fronds are becoming brown and crispy, this is a direct result of low humidity. To alleviate this, you can increase humidity by regularly misting the plant, placing its pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water, or using a room humidifier. Yellowing leaves can be a sign of either overwatering or underwatering, so check the soil moisture to determine the cause and adjust your watering schedule.

Pests can occasionally affect these ferns, with spider mites and scale being common culprits. Spider mites are tiny and may create fine webbing on the plant, while scale insects appear as small, brown bumps on the fronds and stems. To treat these pests, you can wipe the fronds with a damp cloth or use an organic horticultural oil, such as neem oil. Regularly inspecting your plant can help you catch problems early.

Pet Safety

The Emerald Queen Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). You can enjoy the lush greenery of this fern without worrying about the safety of your pets.