Curly Boston
Location
Ancient Garden
- Common name: Curly Boston Fern
- Scientific name: Nephrolepsis exaltata “Erecta”
- Family name: Nephrolepidaceae
- Origin: Florida, South America, West Indies
- Height: 1.5 ft
- Width: 2.4 – 6 in
- Growth: Slow
- Zone: 10-12
- Light needs: Partial shade to full shade
- Salt tolerance: Low
- Soil/pH/Texture: Damp, well-drained, nutrient rich soil, with an acidic pH (pH 6.0-6.5)
- Moisture: Prefers moist, humid conditions, and should be watered regularly
- Drought tolerance: Moderate
- Pests/Diseases: Mealybugs, spider mites, scale.
- Growing conditions: Grows best in a shady, humid area with moist soil. Should be kept in the understory away from strong wind. If grown indoors, this plant prefers bright, filtered light, and can be planted in a variety of containers, such as hanging baskets. Make sure to mist it regularly if grown indoors, as this plant needs humid conditions.
- Characteristics: Fronds are bright and rich green in color, typically growing up to 1.5 ft long and 6 in wide. Leaflets have a characteristic curly appearance. Spores are found along the edges of leaflets.
- Propagation: By root division, since this cultivar does not produce true spores
- Wildlife: Provides shade for small animals. Some caterpillars may eat its leaves.
- Facts: In the wild, Nephrolepsis exaltata grows in swamps and wet hammocks.
- Designer considerations: This plant makes for great ground cover, especially in shady areas. Its characteristic curly leaves make it an interesting focal point. Pair it with flowering plants for a pop of color.
