I grew up in Visalia, CA. I remember it to be hot and dry. We are in the humid tropics here. But I think BF's can do well with daily misting, a tray of pebbles and other ways to add humidity indoors. I recall my best friend in HS, her mother had huuuuge BF's inside their home. It got filtered (sheer drapery)morning sun. Keep up the fight, fiat. And you will be blessed with happy ferns.

One thing you mentioned about the size of your ferns. Often those large ferns sold are already pot bound. They are planted tightly so that they get that full-look. Are you sure there is enough soil in the pot?

Hi Cheryl, I have no idea if there is enough soil in pot (10"). After the haircut, I could see the pot is full and the remaining stem bases are all over above the top of pot (the rim). So there is no empty space under the pot rim. They (two pots) look like pretty full. I also tried moving the plant out of pot and it came out as a whole chunk of soil and roots. Yet I was afraid and didn't repot with new soil. Also I couldn't find any room to add new soil. I am not sure now whether I should continue to care them through the winter or put them away for their own adjusting and wait until next spring for them to come back? Confused and need help.

You may want to try to divide them. If it is growing out of the top, it may need a bigger home. You can wait til spring if you don't think you have enough warm temperatures left in the season to help it adjust.

You can divide it into more of the same size pots or smaller ones. The roots can take it especially if it is pot bound and a mass of roots. I just use a small saw and cut mine up into pieces that will fit into the chosen pot. I loosen the root ball from the bottom a bit and bury it in new soil. OR, if you want you can transplant it as it is into a larger pot. Chances are, it came in a 12" hanging pot, it might be harder to find a larger one. Or, at least I had my problems finding them. I am settling for doubling my fern population next spring. into 12" hanging pots. Give it a fair amount of root stimulating solution or Miracle Grow and you and your fern(s) will be happy again. btw. It's been a month and my greenhouse fern has finally adjusted. I saw no more leaf drop this week.

Thanks, Cheryl. I think I'll wait until next spring to re-pot/soil my BFs. I am not sure how many ferns will remain of life then. Probably a lot less than when bought, so probably don't need bigger pots (they came 10" hanging pots). But the details of screening out good, live fern/root remain unclear to me. I'll tree-mail you with all questions when time comes if you kindly allow me. I am glad and feel lucky I find help here.

@fiat, Happy to help but I am no expert. But I have been able to keep my ferns growing for generations. Boston Ferns are plentiful here in the South often going on sale in the spring for $5 a basket. I see neighbors treat them like annuals because they are so easily replaceable. I prefer to preserve what I have. But I think because they are easily and cheaply gotten here that I am braver about dividing, experimenting, and other "plant abuse". The Boston's always come through for me.

Maybe that is why my BF is doing well in the house. I've never had it outdoors! And when I bought it, it was indoors, so that would explain about it not losing fronds, drying up, etc. It has never had any major shocks. I agree--they don't like being moved around. Many plants don't, in my experience. Even to different locations in the house. That might be the only problem, and now it will come back strong for you. Here's to hoping!

Thanks, Cheryl and seaecho for your good wishes and encouragement.