Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston Fern)

The Boston fern has been a household staple for over 130 years, and its staying power in the world of houseplants is entirely earned. The original plant was discovered in 1894 as a spontaneous variant in a large shipment of ferns sent from Philadelphia to Boston, and its gracefully arching, lush fronds immediately made it a sensation. Today it remains one of the most recognizable houseplants in existence, with broad, arching fronds made up of pairs of fresh green leaflets that can reach three to four feet in length and create a full, fountain-like silhouette.

Growing a Boston fern well comes down almost entirely to humidity. In the dry air of a heated home, frond tips turn brown and the plant looks perpetually unhappy. In a humid environment, whether that is a steamy bathroom, a kitchen, or a home with a humidifier running nearby, it transforms into a genuinely lush and beautiful plant. Misting, a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot, or grouping it with other plants all help raise the local humidity around the foliage.

The Oregon coast's naturally moist air is actually a genuine advantage for Boston fern growers here.