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Just like sunlight, you want to provide your Boston fern with enough water, but not too much. Water it with lukewarm water so that the soil is completely damp but not soaked. During warm weather months, you'll need to water it more frequently. Make sure that the soil is never completely dry. In the wintertime, the fern is not in "growing season." You can be less vigilant about watering it, and it's actually good to let the soil become dry to the touch before watering again. As new growth appears, start watering the fern more often so that the soil is continuously damp. Boston ferns don't require much, but it is helpful to feed them every two months or so during the warmer time of the year. Purchase houseplant food at your local gardening supply store. Read the instructions on the packaging, and dilute it so that it is half as strong for your fern. During the winter months, you can skip these feedings. Fronds are the branch-like pieces that extend from the plant, covered in leaves. Older leaves may become discolored or lose their leaves, which isn't the most aesthetically pleasing. Use sharp, clean scissors to remove the fronds all the way at the base. This will allow new, healthy fronds to grow. The best time to prune your Boston fern is in the spring or summer, during growing season. Luckily, Boston ferns aren't typically a target for insects, but they can occasionally attract bugs. Don't use anything too harsh on your fern. Spray it with a mild insecticide or a natural insect repellant, and observe. Hopefully, this will be all you need to control any potential pests. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ensure that your boston ferns will live through the winter. Once the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius), bring your plants inside. It's okay if they turn brown and shed; this is normal. Water them sparingly once per week and don't fertilize them at all during this time of year.
Keep the soil moist. Feed your ferns every couple of months. Trim discolored or leafless fronds. Protect your fern from insects. Keep your ferns in a dormant state during winter.