Boston Ferns in the winter
 

Had two Boston Ferns outside on the front porch this summer...each did very well. Now that it's 39 degrees here in Iowa I brought them into the garage to keep them from freezing. I'd love to bring them into the house eventually, but how do you keep them alive over the winter months? Tried to bring one in last year and lost so many leaves throughout the months that I had to vacuum almost daily.

I believe that they need to be misted frequently as the air is so dry inside in the winter. I'd be worried about any bugs that have made their home in the pot over the summer.

I found this https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Boston-Ferns

My mother brought hers in every year. She wrapped a sheet around the base, like a Christmas tree skirt and let the leaves fall on that. She shook it outside about once a week. It did get messy but was quick clean up if needed.

One of my neighbors brought hers inside then found tiny tree frogs--lol ! Be careful as Nancy says.

I always bring in the porch plants this time of year and after hosing out the undersides of pots/rims and then putting enough water into the pot to flush out for awhile (to get out the spiders, frogs, etc) I take to the basement. Our basement is little cooler and less dry than the upstairs and is walk-out so decent light. They do look less spectacular by the end of the Winter, but with some pruning, they spruce up in the summer.

Thank you everyone....will give the suggestions a try!

You can buy spray to get rid of any bugs. I bring mine in the garage, spray them and leave them there for a couple of days before I bring them inside. I mist them frequently all winter. They do drop leaves and they need light but they are good for next summer. The sheet idea of Toverly’s mother is genius!

Well someone kept them alive as they used to be referred to as parlor ferns!
I agree about misting them frequently. I would definitely try to keep them over the winter.
When I bring a plant in for the winter I give it a good bath with Dawn or something like it
and use new soil. Works for me.

I have had indoors, Boston ferns for many years. The key is misting the at least once a day. They require a great deal of moisture in the leaves on top of routine watering of the plant. Dry leaves makes them fall off quickly.