My Boston Fern Has Little Black or Dark Green Balls Falling From It

Question

When I sweep them up, they look green and slimy.   What is it and does this harm my plant?

Answer 1

It could possibly be baby ferns. Boston ferns do develop ball looking growths on the end of root like structures, a little like spider plants do. These balls can develop into new ferns, but if the plant is periodically stressed from something, like a lack of water, it may be discarding the immature ferns.