Why We Love Boston Ferns (and How to Keep Them Thriving in Hawaiʻi)

If there’s one plant that totally captures the Kaʻala Lush vibe, it’s the Boston Fern.

Big, bushy, and full of life — they remind us of aunties' porches, shady spots under the hala trees, and breezy lanai mornings. It’s that old-school, lush Hawaiʻi charm. 🌴

We love having them hanging at our nursery and at home. But real talk? They can be a little fussy if you don’t give them what they need. Here's how to keep your Boston Fern looking gorgeous — no wilt, no stress.

🌞 Light
Boston Ferns thrive in bright, indirect light.
They’ll do great in spots like:

Near a window (filtered light)

Under an awning or shaded area outside

🚫 Too much direct sun? You’ll get brown, crispy fronds.
🚫 Too dark? They start turning yellow and sad.

💧 Water + Humidity
These guys like it moist, but not soaked.

✅ Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
✅ In hot weather, that might be 2–3 times a week
✅ Cooler months? Maybe once a week

💦 Bonus tip: They LOVE Hawaiʻi’s natural humidity. If your house is dry, give them a mist now and then, or keep them near other plants to share the moisture.

🪴 Soil + Potting
They like light, airy soil that drains well. We recommend a good potting mix with some perlite tossed in.

You can plant them in wide pots or hanging baskets — they’ll love to spread out and drape their fronds like royalty.

✂️ Trimming + TLC
Get a few brown tips? No worries — just snip ‘em off.

A light trim now and then keeps them looking fresh and fluffy. Don’t be afraid to give them a haircut if they start to look scraggly.

🔁 Repotting
Boston Ferns like to stretch their roots — if yours is drying out fast or looking cramped, go up a pot size (just 1–2 inches bigger). You’ll see it perk up almost overnight.

🌿 Why We Keep Growing Them
There’s something so grounding about Boston Ferns.
They’re pet-friendly, clean the air, and just add that lush Hawaiʻi energy to any space. Indoors or outdoors, they bring peace and green vibes.

We love pairing them with:

Pothos trails

Peace lilies

Small monsteras for balance

Stick one on your lanai or hang it by the hale — instant cozy jungle.

🌱 Where to Find Them
We usually have a few Boston Ferns in stock at:
📍 Kaʻala Lush Nursery in Waiʻanae
📲 Or just send us a DM on Instagram — we’re always down to chat plants

💌 Get More Plant Tips
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With aloha,
Your Kaʻala Lush Crew 🌿