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?
