All About Boston Fern Plant Seeds:
Germination, Storage and Sowing

Boston ferns, also known as Nephrolepis exaltata, are one of the most popular indoor ferns, widely recognized for their lush green foliage and air-purifying properties. These ferns are known to grow from spores, but if you want to propagate them, you can use their seeds. In this article, we will guide you through the process of germinating, storing and sowing Boston fern plant seeds.

Germinating Boston Fern Plant Seeds

Germinating Boston fern plant seeds is a simple process that requires little effort. Here are the steps involved:

Step 1: Collecting the Seeds

The first step in germinating Boston fern plant seeds is to collect them. You can do this by harvesting the spores from mature fronds. To do this, place a sheet of paper under a mature frond and then gently shake it. The spores will fall onto the paper.

Step 2: Cleaning the Seeds

Once you have collected the spores, you need to clean them. You can do this by passing them through a fine sieve or mesh screen to remove any debris or unwanted material.

Step 3: Preparing the Soil

The next step is to prepare the soil. Boston ferns prefer moist soil with high organic content. You can use perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.

Step 4: Sowing the Seeds

After preparing the soil, it’s time to sow the seeds. Sprinkle a thin layer of seeds on top of the soil and cover them with a thin layer of vermiculite or perlite. Water lightly and cover with plastic wrap or a clear lid to create a humid environment.

Step 5: Caring for the Seeds

Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of around 70°F (21°C). After two weeks, remove the plastic wrap or lid and expose the seedlings to light.

Storing Boston Fern Plant Seeds

If you have more seeds than you need, you can store them for future use. Here’s how:

Step 1: Drying the Seeds

Before storing Boston fern plant seeds, you need to dry them completely. Spread the seeds on a paper towel or newspaper and let them air dry for a few days.

Step 2: Storing the Seeds

Once your seeds are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool and dark place. A refrigerator is an ideal storage location.

Sowing Boston Fern Plant Seeds

Sowing Boston fern plant seeds in pots is an easy way to grow new plants. Here’s how:

Step 1: Preparing the Pots

Select pots with good drainage holes and fill them with nutrient-rich soil.

Step 2: Sowing the Seeds

Sprinkle a few seeds on top of each pot and cover them lightly with soil.

Step 3: Watering and Caring for the Plants

Water your pots regularly to keep the soil moist but not too wet. Place your pots in an area with bright but indirect light. In about two weeks, you should start seeing tiny sprouts emerging from the soil.

FAQ Section

Q1: How long does it take for Boston fern plant seeds to germinate?

A: It takes about two weeks for Boston fern plant seeds to germinate.

Q2: How often should I water my Boston fern plant seedlings?

A: You should water your seedlings regularly to keep the soil moist but not too wet.

Q3: Can I grow Boston ferns from spores?

A: Yes, Boston ferns can be grown from spores as well as seeds.

Q4: What kind of soil do Boston ferns prefer?

A: Boston ferns prefer moist soil with high organic content.

Q5: How do I know when it’s time to transplant my Boston fern seedlings?

A: Once your seedlings have grown two or three leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into bigger pots.