Buying guide
Buy a Boston Fern online
Sizes, what to check, and where to buy
By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated · How we research · Report an error
Quick verdict
- Buy it if you can give it medium to bright indirect light.
- Difficulty: Moderate · Pets: Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA)
- Size to buy: A 4-6 in pot for a shelf or 6-8 in for a desk; mature size is 2-3 ft.
- Where to buy: 4 shops we checked list it in stock (7 Nov 2026): Steve's Leaves, Rooted (Hey Rooted), Lively Root, Costa Farms. Amazon also returns live-plant search results.
Quick picks shop listing checked 7 Nov 2026
Compare all 4 shops ↓ · Care guide
Amazon links open an Amazon search, not a specific product we have tested; prices and sellers vary. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.
Lush arching fronds, pet-safe, and at its best in a humid bathroom or on a shaded porch.
Plant profile
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect light
- Water
- Keep consistently moist
- Humidity
- High
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA) [ASPCA]
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Size
- 2-3 ft
- Growth
- Moderate
Compare shops that list a boston fern
In stock on 7 Nov 2026, cheapest listing per shop. Shops with 100+ independent reviews first, then by price. Prices change daily; the shop's checkout wins.
| Shop | Listing we found | From | Guarantee | Shipping | Winter shipping | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve's Leaves | Nephrolepis exaltata 'Suzi Wong' | $15.99 | 30-day replacement or store credit; not for cold damage | At checkout | Paid Winter Shipping Assurance | View at Steve's Leaves |
| Rooted (Hey Rooted) | Boston Fern | $29.00 | 30-day guarantee | Free over $95 | Winter Packaging add-on (needed for cold-damage cover) | View at Rooted (Hey Rooted) |
| Lively Root | Boston Fern | $41.00 | 30-day guarantee | $9 flat standard | Thermal sleeve; may hold orders | View at Lively Root |
| Costa Farms | Boston Fern | large | $72.00 | Refund via support ticket if it arrives in poor condition | Included in price | Heat pack included | View at Costa Farms |
Ordering when it is cold? Read buying plants online in winter. Policy terms from each shop's own pages; compare policies. We may earn a commission from some links; it never decides what we list or the order. Disclosure.
What size to buy, and what it costs right now
Price range for the plant in its basic grow pot, from in-stock listings on 7 Nov 2026. Shops name sizes differently, so check the pot diameter and height on the listing.
| Size | What it usually means | Price range | Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | About 2 to 4 inch nursery pot; tabletop or shelf | $29–$41 | 2 listings at 2 shops |
| Medium | About 5 to 6 inch pot or 1 gallon; desk or side table | $39–$58 | 2 listings at 2 shops |
| Large | About 8 to 10 inch pot or 2 to 3 gallon; floor or plant stand | $72 | 1 listing at 1 shop |
| Extra large | 12 inch pot and up or 5+ gallon; floor statement plant | $136 | 1 listing at 1 shop |
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Ready to buy a boston fern? A shop we verified lists it, or search Amazon.
Amazon links open an Amazon search, not a specific product we have tested; prices and sellers vary. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.
Is a boston fern right for you?
It suits you if you can give it medium to bright indirect light and you are happy to water keep consistently moist. Difficulty: Moderate. It is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so it is a good choice for pet homes. Not sure? Try the Plant Finder.
Similar plants to consider: Pothos, Calathea, Heartleaf Philodendron, String of Pearls.
Size and age buying guide
| Size | What you usually get | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Tabletop / shelf | Usually a 4-6 in nursery pot. | Cheapest way in; expect a long wait to reach a large size. |
| Medium | Usually a 6-8 in pot, for a desk or plant stand. | A fuller plant now, still easy to ship and place. |
Younger or older plant? A younger, smaller plant costs less and settles in easily; an older, larger plant gives you the look straight away but costs more to buy and ship. With a moderate growth rate and a mature size of 2-3 ft, buy close to the size you want.
Sizes and what you will receive
Online shops sell plants by nursery pot diameter: about 4 in (small, shelf), 6 in (desk or table), 8-10 in (small floor plant) and 12 in and up (floor statement). Height varies a lot within one pot size, so read the listed height too. A mature boston fern can reach 2-3 ft and growth is moderate, so a smaller plant will take time to fill out; buy closer to the size you want.
Popular sizes on Amazon
Amazon links open an Amazon search, not a specific product we have tested; prices and sellers vary. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.
What to check when buying: a healthy boston fern
- Firm, evenly colored leaves with no mushy stems at the soil line.
- Soil that is not sour-smelling or waterlogged when it arrives.
- No webbing, sticky residue or tiny moving insects under the leaves.
- Roots, if you peek, that are pale and firm rather than brown and soft.
Problems to know about before buying:
- Dropping leaflets: Dry soil or dry air.
- Yellow fronds: Too much sun or ageing.
- Gray, dull fronds: Low humidity.
What to check on arrival
- Photograph the box and the plant before and while you unpack; most guarantees ask for photos.
- Leaves and stems: firm, evenly colored leaves; no snapped stems or mushy tissue at the soil line.
- Soil: not sour-smelling or waterlogged.
- Pests: no webbing, sticky residue or tiny moving insects under the leaves.
- Size: compare the pot size and height with the listing you ordered.
- Report problems quickly under the shop’s guarantee.
Guarantee terms of the shops that list it, from their own policy pages (checked 21 Oct 2026):
- Lively Root: 30 Day Happiness Guarantee: dead or damaged plants replaced; send a photo within 30 days of delivery.
- Rooted (Hey Rooted): 30 Day Happiness Guarantee (site banner).
Problems that often show up after delivery:
- Dropping leaflets: Dry soil or dry air.
- Yellow fronds: Too much sun or ageing.
- Gray, dull fronds: Low humidity.
Prices
We do not quote prices until we have checked them. They change with pot size, season and sales. To compare fairly, compare the same pot size and check whether a decorative pot and shipping are included.
Shipping and seasonal risks
Tropical plants like this one suffer below about 50°F (10°C). In winter, order from a shop that adds heat packs or holds shipments in freezing weather, and bring the box inside as soon as it arrives. Summer heat in a delivery truck can also damage plants, so avoid long weekends in transit.
Your first week after delivery
- Unbox right away and photograph any damage; most guarantees need photos within a set window.
- Water only if the soil is dry; many plants arrive already moist.
- Give it medium to bright indirect light, but avoid harsh direct sun for a few days.
- Keep it away from other plants for one to two weeks in case of pests.
- Wait two to four weeks before repotting. Full care guide: Boston Fern care.
Where to buy a boston fern online, and why
Comparing shops in general? See the best places to buy plants online. We list a shop only after confirming it currently lists this plant (checked 7 Nov 2026). Stock changes daily. We may earn a commission from some links; it never decides what we list. Disclosure.
Lively Root
Listing we found: Boston Fern (in stock 7 Nov 2026)
Online plant shop with a plant finder quiz, pet-friendly and low-light collections, subscriptions and corporate gifting. Policy notes: a 30-day arrival guarantee; 48 contiguous US states (no Hawaii or Alaska).
What customers say: Buyers like the selection and size options; soil spillage and winter damage come up. Read the summary
Rooted (Hey Rooted)
Listing we found: Boston Fern (in stock 7 Nov 2026)
Houseplant shop with pet-friendly, low-light, easy-care and size-based collections, bundles and subscriptions. Policy notes: a 30-day arrival guarantee; Free shipping on orders $95+.
What customers say: Good reports on packing and less common plants, but recent winter and service complaints. Read the summary
Costa Farms
Listing we found: Boston Fern | large (in stock 7 Nov 2026)
One of the largest US houseplant growers, selling direct from its farm. It shops by light level, water need and pet-friendly collections. Policy notes: policy details not yet verified.
What customers say: Well packed, but often pricier direct than at big-box stores that sell the same plants. Read the summary
Steve's Leaves
Listing we found: Nephrolepis exaltata 'Suzi Wong' (in stock 7 Nov 2026)
Long-running Texas grower of rare and common tropical houseplants.0/5 from 1 reviews. Policy notes: 30-day replacement or store credit; not for cold damage; shipping: At checkout; winter: Paid Winter Shipping Assurance.
Compare shipping and guarantee terms side by side in Online plant shop policies compared.
Ready to buy a boston fern? A shop we verified lists it, or search Amazon.
Amazon links open an Amazon search, not a specific product we have tested; prices and sellers vary. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.
FAQ: buying a boston fern online
Where can I buy a boston fern online?
We confirmed that Lively Root, Rooted (Hey Rooted), Costa Farms list a boston fern (checked 21 Oct 2026). Compare them in the table on this page. Amazon search results also include live plants from various sellers.
What size boston fern should I buy?
A 4-6 in pot for a shelf or 6-8 in for a desk; mature size is 2-3 ft. Online shops sell by nursery pot diameter, and height varies within one pot size, so read the listed height too.
Is a boston fern safe for cats and dogs?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). Check the ASPCA plant list and ask your vet if a pet chews it.
Is a boston fern easy to care for?
Our care guide rates it moderate. It needs medium to bright indirect light; water keep consistently moist. Humidity: high.
What should I check when my boston fern arrives?
Photograph the box and plant as you unpack, check for firm leaves, unbroken stems, soil that is not waterlogged and no pests under the leaves, then report any problem to the shop quickly, as guarantees have short windows.
When is the best time to order a boston fern online?
Order in mild weather where you can. In winter, choose a shop that adds heat packs or holds shipments in freezing weather; in summer, avoid shipments that sit in a hot truck over a long weekend.
Does Plantshop.com sell plants?
No. We are an independent buying guide; we do not sell plants or handle orders. We link to shops and may earn a commission on some links, which never decides what we list.
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