How to Propagate a Boston Fern Step-by-Step
Turn one Boston Fern into many. This guide explains how to divide an established plant or root its runners for a fuller, healthier collection.
The Boston Fern, or Nephrolepis exaltata, is a popular houseplant known for its lush, feathery fronds. Propagating these ferns is a straightforward way to multiply your collection or share with others. This process can also be used to manage the size of a large, overgrown plant, giving it a new lease on life while yielding new ferns.
When to Propagate and What You’ll Need
The ideal time to propagate a Boston Fern is during its active growing period in the spring and early summer. This timing allows the new divisions to establish themselves more readily, taking advantage of favorable conditions to spur new growth. Attempting this when the plant is dormant in fall or winter can lead to slower root development and a lower chance of success.
Before beginning, gather all necessary materials. You will need:
- A clean, sharp knife or pruning shears for making precise cuts
- New pots appropriately sized for your divisions that feature drainage holes
- A fresh, well-draining potting mix, like a blend containing peat moss and perlite
- Gloves for cleaner and more comfortable handling
Propagating a Boston Fern Step-by-Step
Method 1: Division
Division is the most common method for propagating a mature Boston Fern. To begin, carefully remove the fern from its pot, turning it on its side and easing it out. Once the plant is out, inspect the root system and crown to identify natural clumps where the plant is already beginning to separate.
Using a sharp, clean knife, slice through the root ball to separate it into two or more sections. The number of divisions depends on the size of the parent plant. Ensure each new section has a healthy portion of the root system and several green fronds. This balance gives each new plant the resources it needs to establish itself after being repotted.
Method 2: Using Runners (Stolons)
Boston Ferns also reproduce by sending out long stems called runners, or stolons. Along these runners, small plantlets with tiny leaves and the beginnings of a root system will develop at points called nodes. This method is gentle as it allows the new plantlet to remain attached to the parent while it develops its own roots.
To propagate using runners, place a small pot with potting mix next to the mother plant. Guide a runner with a developed plantlet to the new pot and secure it to the soil’s surface with a small pin or wire. This contact encourages roots to grow into the mix. Keep the soil in the new pot consistently moist, and in a few weeks, the plantlet will establish its own root system. Once you see new frond growth, you can sever the runner connecting it to the mother plant.
Post-Propagation Care
After potting, the immediate care for your new Boston Ferns focuses on recovery. The soil should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Place the new pots in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun should be avoided as it can scorch the delicate fronds.
These new ferns also benefit from high humidity, which you can increase by misting the plants or placing them near a humidifier. Hold off on applying any fertilizer for the first one to two months. The new roots are sensitive and can be burned by fertilizers, so wait until you observe clear signs of new growth before beginning a regular feeding schedule. The original parent plant will also recover and fill in over time with this same care.