How to Split a Boston Fern Step One: Dividing the Plant. The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis) is one of the most well-known ferns and admired for its desirable traits as a houseplant.Boston ferns are typically attractive, with long, graceful fronds bedecked with tiny leaves. Dividing and repotting a fern is good for it so that it doesn’t become root bound and lacking in nutrients. Clip off all withered or brown fronds from the newly potted fern. More Less. How to divide and propagate: www. Dividing and repotting a fern is good for it so that it doesn’t become root bound and lacking in nutrients. Bringing Indoors. Step One: Dividing the Plant Turn the potted fern on its side onto newspapers and gently pull it or tap it from the existing pot. Now Playing. This will allow the root system to dry out a bit too. Then knock the fern from its pot, and lay it sideways on sheets of newspaper or a piece of cardboard. Don’t plant the fern in a large pot because the excess potting soil in the pot retains moisture that may cause root rot. After Repotting. ... Repot & Divide Now. Water the Boston fern a couple of days before repotting because moist soil clings to the roots and makes repotting easier. God Save the Queens! See more. See more. Water your Boston fern once every three or four days to keep the potting soil evenly moistened. ... Divide ferns and repot for twice as many ferns. It's related to the ubiqitous Boston fern that apparently by law must be displayed on every front porch in America. There are several ways to propagate Boston fern, but the most common and suitable method for indoor gardeners is the process of division which is outlined here. Used indoors around homes or outside on patios and decks, ferns grow best in low-light settings. Dish Gardens 101 with Stephen Orr Now it’s time to re-pot the plant. Learn how to repot Boston fern here. Boston ferns are popular houseplants and proper Boston fern care is essential to keeping this plant healthy. In order to divide the ferns you will need to cut through these roots (don’t worry it does not hurt them) and plant the newly divided ferns in a lighter humus type soil (take notes from what the soil that it grows in from the nursery). How to Grow Ferns From Clippings. First, allow the fern roots to dry out a bit and then remove the Boston fern from its pot. Twitter Google+. How to Propagate Boston Fern. To do this, wait until the soil becomes dry more than you normally would. Add soil around the sides, tamping down gently as you go to eliminate air pockets around the plant’s roots. Twitter Google+. Separate the overgrown plant into halves or quarters, or leave the plant whole if you're moving it to a larger container. ... Divide ferns and repot for twice as many ferns. Watch More Videos From Cooking Fundamentals. Place the Boston fern in the new pot. Keep the fern away from drafts, heating and cooling vents or any other area where temperatures fluctuate. The Boston fern is a houseplant popularized during the Victorian era and remains popular still today. Ferns can also be propagated by spore, but this is somewhat more difficult. God Save the Queens! Divide Boston ferns (or any fern) to create an inexpensive way to fill window boxes, planters or holes in the garden while waiting for other plants to mature. Remove the plant from its pot or carefully dig it up from the soil. Dividing The Fern. Dividing The Fern. Learn more about separating ferns and how to divide fern plants in this article. Divide a fern with a spreading root system by working it apart with your fingers. It’s easy enough to re-pot a fern that even a beginner gardener can do it. Cutting with the knife is easier and will do considerably less root damage. Separating Ferns: Learn How To Divide Fern Plants - As with most plants, especially those that are potted, ferns will outgrow their location if given enough time. Facebook Comment MORE. Propagation may also be achieved by dividing Boston fern plants. Now Playing. The Boston fern is a houseplant popularized during the Victorian era and remains popular still today. Dividing and repotting a fern is good for it so that it doesn’t become root bound and lacking in nutrients. To divide fern plants with rhizomes such as Boston fern, cut the root ball with a clean, sharp knife into halves or quarters and loosen the roots. Roots are easier to manage when they aren’t wet.