Blue Bell Boston Fern

Blue Bell Boston Fern (Nephrolepis 'Blue Bell') is a fast growing fern with long, arching fronds of slender, pale green leaflets. It reaches about 1.2m tall and 1m wide, a fountain of lime green fishbone fronds that brings life to a shady border, a container or an indoor room. It is one of the most popular forms of Boston fern, and Boston ferns are regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Why you'll love it

• A fountain of fronds. Long, elegant fronds arch outward from the crown, adding colour and softness to a shaded spot.
• Fast growing. It fills out quickly, so a young plant soon gives a lush look.
• Garden or home. It is a classic indoor fern that also does remarkably well outside, in a sheltered, humid position.
• Easy around animals. Boston ferns are regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, which suits families with pets.
• Pale, fresh colour. The lime to pale green leaflets lift a dark corner more than the deeper greens do.

Where it works best

Tropical borders and layers. Use it as a border or as an underplanting layer beneath palms and shade trees. Plant 1m apart so the arching fronds just meet.

Shady walls. Plant into a crack or gap on a shady south side wall and watch it settle in. It likes a dryish root and a moist leaf.

Containers and indoor rooms. In a pot it suits verandahs and bright rooms. Remove old fronds as they fade.

Growing Blue Bell Boston Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Choose a sheltered, humid, shaded position. Outdoors, it suits tropical, subtropical and sheltered warm temperate gardens. Protect it from frost, and in cooler districts grow it in a pot that can come indoors for winter.

Soil. Plant carefully, with the crown of the fern above the soil line. Mulch after planting. In pots use a quality potting mix.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, which usually takes around 12 weeks. In dry periods water every second day, and keep the plant moist. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring, and a liquid fertiliser every 4 weeks in warmer months, diluted to half the recommended dose to avoid burn.

Pruning. Remove old fronds to keep the plant fresh and to avoid disease. Re-pot container plants every 2 to 3 years, ideally in the cooler months when the plant is dormant.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Blue Bell Boston Fern as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, with only a few fronds, and grows fast once planted into a moist, sheltered spot.

Tube stock comes from our grower, who does not always have it. When there is none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Ferns for shady areas
• Where ferns grow best in Australia
• Plants for full shade
• More indoor plants

Common questions

Is Blue Bell Boston Fern safe for pets?

Boston ferns are regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs. As with any plant, a chewed frond can still upset a pet's stomach.

How often should I water it?

Keep it moist. In dry periods water every second day, and mist the fronds if the air is dry. Ferns thrive in humid conditions.

When should I re-pot it?

Every 2 to 3 years, in the cooler months when the plant is dormant, to keep the soil fresh and full of nutrients.