Ferns do best in cool, damp locations where they are protected from the direct rays of the sun. A north windowsill is the best location for most ferns.

Check the soil every day by pressing your finger on the surface of the soil. It should feel cool and moist. On the day that it feels like it is almost dry, then water your fern thorougly until some water trickles through the holes in the bottom of the pot.

Ferns like humid air. A nearby humidifier is great. However, if you don't have one, you can make a pebble tray for your fern. Get a saucer that is at least an inch deep and an inch or two wider than the fern pot. Fill the saucer with gravel or pebbles or small stones and then add water to the top of the pebbles. Set the fern pot on top of the pebbles. As the water evaporates into the dry air, it will add humidity to the air around the fern. Be sure to keep the saucer filled with water.