Buying guide
Buy a Boston Fern Online: Sizes, What to Check, and Where to Buy
By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated · How we research · Report an error
Lush arching fronds, pet-safe, and at its best in a humid bathroom or on a shaded porch.
Plant profile
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect light
- Water
- Keep consistently moist
- Humidity
- High
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA) [ASPCA]
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Size
- 2-3 ft
- Growth
- Moderate
Is a boston fern right for you?
It suits you if you can give it medium to bright indirect light and you are happy to water keep consistently moist. Difficulty: Moderate. It is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so it is a good choice for pet homes. Not sure? Try the Plant Finder.
Similar plants to consider: Pothos, Calathea, Heartleaf Philodendron, String of Pearls.
Sizes and what you will receive
Online shops sell plants by nursery pot diameter: about 4 in (small, shelf), 6 in (desk or table), 8-10 in (small floor plant) and 12 in and up (floor statement). Height varies a lot within one pot size, so read the listed height too. A mature boston fern can reach 2-3 ft and growth is moderate, so a smaller plant will take time to fill out; buy closer to the size you want.
What to check when buying: a healthy boston fern
- Firm, evenly colored leaves with no mushy stems at the soil line.
- Soil that is not sour-smelling or waterlogged when it arrives.
- No webbing, sticky residue or tiny moving insects under the leaves.
- Roots, if you peek, that are pale and firm rather than brown and soft.
Problems to know about before buying:
- Dropping leaflets: Dry soil or dry air.
- Yellow fronds: Too much sun or ageing.
- Gray, dull fronds: Low humidity.
Prices
We do not quote prices until we have checked them. They change with pot size, season and sales. To compare fairly, compare the same pot size and check whether a decorative pot and shipping are included.
Shipping and seasonal risks
Tropical plants like this one suffer below about 50°F (10°C). In winter, order from a shop that adds heat packs or holds shipments in freezing weather, and bring the box inside as soon as it arrives. Summer heat in a delivery truck can also damage plants, so avoid long weekends in transit.
Your first week after delivery
- Unbox right away and photograph any damage; most guarantees need photos within a set window.
- Water only if the soil is dry; many plants arrive already moist.
- Give it medium to bright indirect light, but avoid harsh direct sun for a few days.
- Keep it away from other plants for one to two weeks in case of pests.
- Wait two to four weeks before repotting. Full care guide: Boston Fern care.
Where to buy a boston fern online, and why
We list a shop only after confirming it currently lists this plant (checked 21 Oct 2026). Stock changes daily. We may earn a commission from some links; it never decides what we list. Disclosure.
Lively Root
Listing we found: Boston Fern Plant (checked 21 Oct 2026)
Online plant shop with a plant finder quiz, pet-friendly and low-light collections, subscriptions and corporate gifting. Policy notes: a 30-day arrival guarantee; 48 contiguous US states (no Hawaii or Alaska).
What customers say: Buyers like the selection and size options; soil spillage and winter damage come up. Read the summary
Rooted (Hey Rooted)
Listing we found: Boston Fern (checked 21 Oct 2026)
Houseplant shop with pet-friendly, low-light, easy-care and size-based collections, bundles and subscriptions. Policy notes: a 30-day arrival guarantee; Free shipping on orders $95+.
What customers say: Good reports on packing and less common plants, but recent winter and service complaints. Read the summary
Costa Farms
Listing we found: Boston Fern | large (checked 21 Oct 2026)
One of the largest US houseplant growers, selling direct from its farm. It shops by light level, water need and pet-friendly collections. Policy notes: policy details not yet verified.
What customers say: Well packed, but often pricier direct than at big-box stores that sell the same plants. Read the summary
Compare shipping and guarantee terms side by side in Online plant shop policies compared.