Boston fern care in Melbourne

Which window suits a Boston fern

In Melbourne the sun sits to the north, so north windows are the brightest and south the softest. Where it does well, by window and distance from the glass:

• N

  North-facing window

  2.5 h of sun in summer · 9 h in winter
  On the sillToo sunny

  1-2 m backGood

  Far sideGood
• E

  East-facing window

  5.5 h of sun in summer · 3.5 h in winter
  On the sillToo sunny

  1-2 m backGood

  Far sideGood
• S

  South-facing window

  1.5 h of sun in summer · 0 h in winter
  On the sillGood

  1-2 m backGood

  Far sideToo dark
• W

  West-facing window

  5.5 h of sun in summer · 3.5 h in winter
  On the sillToo sunny

  1-2 m backGood

  Far sideGood

A Melbourne year with a Boston fern

If something looks wrong

• Yellow lower leaves and wet soil

  Too much water. Let the top of the soil dry before the next drink; in winter that is about every 6 days.

• Pale or scorched patches

  Direct sun through glass. Move it 1-2 m back from the window, or behind a sheer curtain.

• Brown, crispy leaf edges

  Dry air, often from a heater. Keep it away from vents, and group it with other plants.

• Fine webbing or white fluff under the leaves

  Spider mite or mealybug, most often as the weather warms. Wipe it off and check again in a week.

Plants that like the same light

• Maidenhair fern
• Bird's nest fern
• Monstera
• Devil's ivy
• Heartleaf philodendron
• Peace lily