How much sun does Boston fern need?

Boston fern grows best in shade conditions.

Where is Boston fern native?

Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is native to AZ, FL, LA, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Boston fern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Nephrolepis exaltata

Last reviewed: November 2026

Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a perennial fern native to AZ, FL, LA, TX.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Boston fern, free in the app.

Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–36" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AZ, FL, LA, TX

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Sword fern is an evergreen fern with arching, finely divided fronds that form a dense clump. It grows in shaded, humid understory sites and reproduces by spores rather than flowers.

Growing Boston fern

Grow Boston fern in shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide.

Wildlife value

As a non-flowering fern it offers no nectar or pollen, but the dense fronds provide shelter for small ground-dwelling wildlife and insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Boston fern need?: Boston fern grows best in shade conditions.
Where is Boston fern native?: Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is native to AZ, FL, LA, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Boston fern toxic to dogs?: Boston fern is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Boston fern toxic to cats?: Boston fern is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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