This adorable Boston Fern has extremely lacy foliage, giving it a distinctive fluffy and lacy appearance. The broad, triangular fronds have highly divided segments, up to four-times pinnate, with ovate segments that closely overlap. The overall effect resembles fine lace or a fizzy spray of greenery. We have seen some growers claim it can reach a mature size of up 5 feet, which is true for the straight species N. exaltata and some of its cultivars, but most of the finely divided and very lacy Boston Ferns typically exhibit a compact if not dwarfed habit, usually reaching a mature size of 12-18”. Although Cotton Candy Boston Ferns do enjoy high humidity environments, its foliage is so finely divided and easily traps moisture, so frequent overhead watering or misting is not recommended as it can rapidly lead to frond rot. Good ambient air circulation and watering at the base of the plant is preferred, and growing in hanging baskets is an excellent choice as it allows the pendulous fronds to cascade down like a waterfall of ruffles. As with other Boston Ferns, it prefers to dry out slightly in between waterings and does not mind being pot-bound.

Cultivation Information:

Frond Condition: Evergreen

Mature Size: 1-2’; colonizing. May grow larger in Sub Tropical conditions.

The fine foliage is excellent at trapping moisture and with dense bushy specimens excessive overhead watering can cause frond rot along the center rachis, so we recommend watering this one at the base when possible.

Origin: selected from Nephrolepis exaltata, which is widespread across the tropics ranging from the Southern U.S., Mexico, Central and South America, Africa, Polynesia and the West Indies.

Requirements: Part Sun to Full Shade, Lightly Moist to Dryish, performs well in hanging baskets or sites with good air circulation.

USDA Zones: 9, 10, 11 or as a terrarium or houseplant

Synonyms: Suzi Wong Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Suzi Wong’), very similar to Smith’s Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Smithii’ [original English cultivar])