Roosevelt Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Rooseveltii'
A Boston Fern cultivar with long, wavy, deeply serrated fronds that look full and feathered. It grows strongly in hanging baskets when you keep the root ball moist and the humidity up.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
High
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Friendly
The Roosevelt Fern is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
Related plants
Care Notes
Light
Place your fern in bright, indirect light. Direct sun burns fronds. Too little light leads to sparse growth and leaf drop.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist. Never let the root ball dry out completely or the plant may shed fronds fast. Use room-temperature water and a pot with drainage holes so excess can escape.
Soil
A rich peat-based mix that holds moisture but still drains works best. Avoid letting the planter sit in a full saucer.
Humidity & Temperature
Humidity above 50% keeps fronds soft. Use a humidifier or pebble tray. Bathrooms and kitchens often help. Keep temperatures around 60-75°F and away from cold drafts, AC vents, and heaters.
Common Issues
Crispy brown fronds usually mean low humidity or dry soil. Yellow leaves often signal overwatering or poor drainage. Check dense foliage for spider mites and scale.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength
Soil
Rich, peat-based potting mix with excellent drainage and moisture retention
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
2-3 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Division of the root clump or by removing and potting the runners (stolons)
Common Varieties
Green Lady
Dense arching fronds in deep emerald green with wavy, finely serrated leaflets that give a ruffled silhouette.