Boston Fern Nephrolepis exaltata Lush, luxuriant, and soft! Nothing says summer like hanging baskets of happy and fluffy Boston ferns on shady, covered porches. These tropical ferns prefer moist, well-draining soils kept consistently moist but not saturated, though drier in winter. High humidity, bright to medium indirect light. Keep above 45°F. 2-3’T x 2-3’W.