Boston Fern

Medium indirect light is ideal -- 750 to 3,000 lux or roughly 75-300 foot-candles. A north or east window works well. direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute) scorches the fronds and turns them pale green. low light (more than 8 feet from a window, or a north-facing room. A grow light 10-12 inches away works great if your windows are not cutting it) causes slow, sparse growth.

This is the non-negotiable one. Boston Ferns need 50-80% humidity to truly thrive. Dry air causes frond drop, brown crispy tips, and general misery. A bathroom with good light, a pebble tray, or a nearby humidifier are your best tools. misting (note: misting does not actually raise humidity meaningfully. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective) is better than nothing but evaporates too fast to fully compensate.

Light, well-drained potting mix rich in organic matter. An all-purpose potting soil with added peat or compost drains well while retaining the moisture ferns need. Repot every 1-2 years in early spring.

Brown crispy fronds: low humidity or underwatering. Yellow fronds: overwatering or poor drainage. Leaflet drop: low humidity or drafts. Sparse, leggy growth: insufficient light. Watch for scale, spider mites, and mealybugs, especially in dry conditions.