Cotton Candy Fern

Cotton Candy Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Smithii') is the finest textured of the Boston ferns, with fronds divided so finely they read as soft green froth. It builds a neat mound about 600mm tall and wide, hanging basket and bathroom shelf territory rather than a garden bed. It is also non toxic to cats and dogs, which narrows the indoor fern shortlist considerably.

Why you'll love it

• The softest texture of any Boston fern. The finely divided fronds give a cloud like look the common Boston fern cannot match.
• Safe around pets. Boston fern types are not toxic to cats and dogs, so a curious animal chewing a frond is not a trip to the vet.
• A tidy, predictable size. It settles at roughly 600mm by 600mm and keeps a rounded shape without sprawling.
• Genuinely low maintenance. Get the light and watering right and it asks for very little else.

Where it works best

Indoors. Bright indirect light suits it best. Bathrooms and kitchens are ideal, because the ambient humidity does half the work for you.

Pots and hanging baskets. A 250mm to 300mm pot or basket lets the fronds arch and fall properly. Set plants 500mm apart along a shelf or balcony rail.

Balconies and courtyards. A shaded, sheltered outdoor spot works in frost free climates, out of wind that shreds the fine fronds.

Growing Cotton Candy Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light indoors, or dappled shade outside. Outdoors it suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It is frost tender, so in colder climates treat it as an indoor plant and keep it clear of cold draughts.

Soil. A quality potting mix with extra coir to hold moisture, in a pot that still drains freely. Ferns want damp, not waterlogged, and a pot sitting in a full saucer will rot the crown.

Water and feed. Keep the mix evenly moist, checking twice a week in warm weather and weekly in winter. Group it with other plants if your rooms run dry. Feed half strength liquid fertiliser monthly through spring and summer.

Pruning. Snip browned fronds off at the base rather than trimming the tips, since a cut frond never regrows its end. If it looks tired, cut it back hard in early spring and it reshoots from the crown.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in two sizes: 125mm plants in packs of ten, and 180mm plants in packs of six. The 125mm plants are young and fill a 200mm decorative pot within a season, the value option for a group of baskets. The 180mm plants are ready to pot up straight away.

Ferns arrive a little compressed and some fronds look flattened. Give it a week in good light with even moisture and it lifts. 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

• Read about creating the right environment for ferns.
• Browse other ferns for shady areas.
• Compare the pet friendly indoor plants range.
• Learn how to keep indoor plants alive.

Common questions

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. Boston fern types, including this one, are not toxic to cats or dogs, which makes it one of the safer choices for a house with pets. A chewed frond may still upset a small stomach, as any plant material can.

Why are the frond tips going brown and crispy?

Almost always dry air or a mix that dried out between waterings. Move it away from heaters and air conditioning outlets, keep the mix evenly damp, and group plants to lift humidity.

Can I grow it outside?

Yes, in frost free tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, in a shaded sheltered position. Anywhere colder it belongs inside.

What size pot does it need?

A 250mm to 300mm pot or basket suits a mature plant. Repot every couple of years in spring, dividing the crown if it has filled the container.