Boston Fern does best in a plastic or glazed ceramic pot that keeps the soil evenly moist. Choose a wide, shallow pot since fern roots spread out rather than down. Drainage holes are a must because soggy soil causes root rot fast.
What Size Pot Does a Boston Fern Need?
Boston Ferns have shallow, fibrous roots that spread outward rather than diving deep. A pot that is wider than it is tall suits them perfectly. Pick one about 1 to 2 inches wider than the current root ball.
These ferns grow quickly and can fill a pot in a single season. If fronds are shorter than usual or the soil dries out within a day of watering, the roots have likely filled the container.
Avoid jumping to a much larger pot. A container with too much extra soil holds water the roots cannot reach, which stays wet and can lead to rot at the edges.
Young plant or division4–6" wide pot
Growing fern (1–2 ft spread)6–8" wide pot
Mature fern (2–3 ft spread)8–10" wide pot
Large hanging specimen10–12" hanging basket
What Material Pot Is Best for Boston Fern?
Boston Fern roots are fine and fibrous, and they dry out quickly. These ferns come from humid, tropical forests where the soil stays consistently damp. A pot material that helps retain some moisture between waterings will make your life much easier.
This is especially true for hanging baskets, which lose moisture from all sides. If you are hanging your fern, a moisture-retaining pot is almost essential unless you want to water every single day.
Dries fastest → Slowest
FabricTOO FAST
Fabric dries out extremely fast, and Boston Ferns wilt quickly between waterings, making this a stressful pairing.
Best for Boston Fern
Unglazed Ceramic
Terra cotta works if you stay on top of watering, but expect to water more often than with glazed or plastic pots.
Wood
Wooden hanging baskets look great with trailing fronds and offer moderate moisture retention.
Glazed Ceramic
Glazed ceramic holds moisture well and is an excellent choice for tabletop Boston Ferns.
Plastic
Lightweight and moisture-retaining, plastic is the go-to for hanging Boston Ferns.
Metal
Metal works fine indoors, just add a plastic liner to protect the pot from constant moisture.
Boston Ferns wilt dramatically when the soil dries out, so moisture-retaining pots make your life much easier. Plastic is the go-to for hanging ferns because it is light and holds water well. Glazed ceramic is another great choice for tabletop displays.
Fabric pots dry out too quickly for this fern's low drought tolerance, so skip those. Unglazed ceramic can work, but you will need to water noticeably more often than with non-porous materials.
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Yes. Boston Ferns want consistently moist soil, but sitting in water is a different story. Without drainage, water collects at the bottom and the fine roots rot within days.
If you are using a decorative pot without holes, keep the fern in a plastic nursery pot inside it. Lift the inner pot out to water, let it drain fully, then set it back in the decorative cover.
When Should I Repot My Boston Fern?
Boston Ferns are fast growers and typically need repotting once a year in spring. If the plant dries out within a day of watering or roots are matted on the surface, it is ready.
Gently remove the fern and shake off loose soil. If the root ball is very dense, you can trim the outer inch of roots with clean scissors. This actually stimulates fresh growth.
Place it in a pot 1 to 2 inches wider with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly and keep it in bright, indirect light while it settles in.
Signs It's Time to Repot
Soil dries out within a day after watering
Roots matted thickly on the soil surface
Fronds are shorter and paler than usual
Plant becomes top-heavy and tips over easily
Roots visible through drainage holes
Can I Plant My Boston Fern in the Ground?
Boston Ferns are hardy outdoors only in zones 9a through 12b. In these warm, frost-free climates, they make beautiful ground cover or border plants in shady spots. Plant them in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
In cooler zones, Boston Ferns must come back indoors before the first frost. They can spend the summer outside in a shaded spot, but temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit will damage the fronds. Bring them in well before nighttime lows drop to that level.
Got More Questions?
Can I use a pot without drainage holes for my Boston Fern?
It is not recommended. Boston Ferns need moist soil but not waterlogged roots. Use a nursery pot inside a decorative cachepot so you can drain excess water after watering.
How do I know if my Boston Fern's pot is too big?
If the outer edges of the soil stay wet for days while the root ball dries out, the pot is too big. The unused soil holds water that breeds fungus and bacteria near the roots.
Should I use a hanging basket for my Boston Fern?
Hanging baskets are a classic choice for Boston Ferns. Use a plastic basket or line a wire basket with sphagnum moss. Keep in mind that hanging pots dry out faster, so you may need to water daily in warm weather.
What kind of soil should I use in my Boston Fern's pot?
A peat-based potting mix with added perlite works well. The peat retains moisture while the perlite prevents compaction and allows the fine roots to breathe.
Can I divide my Boston Fern when repotting?
Yes. Pull or cut the root ball into sections, making sure each piece has several fronds and a healthy clump of roots. Pot each division into its own container and water well.
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Kiersten Rankel holds an M.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. A certified Louisiana Master Naturalist, she has over a decade of experience in science communication, with research spanning corals, cypress trees, marsh grasses, and more. At Greg, she curates species data and verifies care recommendations against botanical research.
See Kiersten Rankel's full background on LinkedIn.
Editorial Process
Container guidance verified against Nephrolepis exaltata growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.
