Nephrolepis Exaltata Pom Pom - Boston Fern Pom Pom

Plant Size: Single plant | Pot Included | Free Delivery

About Nephrolepis Exaltata Pom Pom

The Nephrolepis exaltata Pom Pom, a unique and whimsical cultivar of the classic Boston Fern, is beloved for its dense, tufted foliage that resembles green pom-poms or mossy clusters. While it shares many characteristics with its cousins, its tightly packed fronds make it slightly more sensitive to airflow and debris.

This charming fern brings a playful, textural element to any space with its distinctive rounded, fluffy appearance. Perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or as a tabletop accent, the Pom Pom Fern adds a touch of whimsy and natural beauty to your indoor garden!

Why Choose Nephrolepis Pom Pom?

• Unique pom-pom shaped foliage unlike traditional ferns
• Dense, tufted fronds create a fluffy, mossy appearance
• Compact growth habit perfect for small spaces
• Air-purifying qualities improve indoor air quality
• Adds texture and visual interest to any room
• Perfect for hanging baskets and elevated displays

Care Instructions

Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light to partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the delicate fronds. North or east-facing windows are ideal. Can tolerate lower light but growth may slow and fronds may become less dense.

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ferns love moisture! Water when the top 1-2 cm of soil feels slightly dry. Never let the soil dry out completely as this can cause fronds to brown and crisp. Use room temperature water and ensure good drainage.

Humidity: High humidity is essential! Aim for 60-80% humidity. The dense, tufted foliage requires good air circulation to prevent moisture buildup. Increase humidity by:

• Using a humidifier (most effective)
• Placing on a pebble tray filled with water
• Grouping with other humidity-loving plants
• Misting regularly, but ensure good airflow to prevent fungal issues
• Placing in naturally humid rooms like bathrooms or kitchens

Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures between 16-24°C. Protect from cold drafts, heating vents, and sudden temperature changes. Avoid temperatures below 10°C.

Soil: Use well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix. A blend of peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil works well. Ferns prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5).

Fertilizer: Feed monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to quarter strength. Ferns are light feeders and can be sensitive to over-fertilization. Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter.

Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years in spring when roots become crowded. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one. Ferns prefer to be slightly pot-bound.

Pruning: Remove brown or dead fronds at the base using clean scissors. This encourages new growth and maintains the plant's fluffy appearance. Regular grooming helps prevent debris buildup in the dense foliage.

Special Care for Pom Pom Variety

Due to its tightly packed, dense fronds, the Pom Pom variety requires special attention:

• Airflow: Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent moisture buildup and fungal issues
• Debris removal: Gently shake or brush the plant occasionally to remove trapped debris and dead material from the dense clusters
• Grooming: Regularly check inside the tufted fronds and remove any brown or dead material
• Misting technique: When misting, ensure the plant has time to dry before nightfall to prevent fungal problems

Common Issues & Solutions

• Brown, crispy fronds: Usually caused by low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity and water more consistently.
• Yellowing fronds: Sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings and check drainage.
• Pale, sparse growth: Insufficient light or nutrients. Move to a brighter location and fertilize lightly.
• Brown tips: Low humidity, tap water chemicals, or over-fertilization. Use filtered or distilled water and reduce fertilizer.
• Fungal issues: Poor air circulation in dense foliage. Improve airflow and avoid excessive moisture on fronds.
• Pests: Watch for scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Care Tips

• Use filtered or rainwater if your tap water is heavily chlorinated
• Shower the plant occasionally to clean fronds and boost humidity
• Rotate weekly for even growth on all sides
• Keep away from heating/cooling vents and drafty areas
• Don't let water pool in the dense tufts - ensure it drains through
• Consider a self-watering pot to maintain consistent moisture

Propagation

Nephrolepis ferns can be propagated by division during repotting. Gently separate the root ball into sections, ensuring each section has healthy roots and fronds. Plant in fresh potting mix and keep moist until established.

Toxicity

Good news: Boston Ferns, including the Pom Pom variety, are non-toxic to pets and humans! They're safe for homes with cats, dogs, and children.

Perfect For

• Hanging baskets for a cascading pom-pom effect
• Bathrooms and kitchens with natural humidity
• Shelves and plant stands
• Terrariums and enclosed plant displays
• Adding texture and whimsy to plant collections
• Pet-friendly households
• Air purification

Bring playful charm and lush greenery to your space with the delightful Nephrolepis Pom Pom Fern - a unique twist on a classic favorite!