Kimberly Queen Fern
Nephrolepis obliterata
The Kimberly Queen Fern is an upright, sword-leaved fern that's tidier and more forgiving than the related Boston fern. Its stiff, vertical fronds make it a favorite for patios, porches, and bright indoor corners.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- Keep evenly moist
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Kimberly Queen Fern is a cultivated form of Nephrolepis obliterata, a sword fern native to Australia. Unlike the floppy, cascading Boston fern, it grows upright with neat, arching fronds that hold their shape well.
It sheds less and tolerates dry air better than many ferns, which has made it a go-to choice for shaded patios and entryway containers. It is also commonly grown as an indoor plant where light is adequate.
How to identify it
Recognize the Kimberly Queen by:
- Fronds: long, stiff, sword-shaped and upright, typically 2-3 feet, with a glossy deep-green color
- Pinnae (leaflets): smooth-edged, evenly spaced, narrower than Boston fern leaflets
- Habit: vase-shaped and vertical rather than drooping
- Texture: cleaner and less frizzy than Boston fern, with fewer shed leaflets
- No flowers: reproduces via spores on the undersides of fronds
Care & growing
Light: Bright indirect light indoors; part shade to filtered sun outdoors.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; it dislikes drying out completely.
Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix with good moisture retention.
Temperature: Thrives at 60-75°F (15-24°C); not frost-hardy.
Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity better than most ferns, but appreciates extra moisture.
Feeding: Light monthly feeding with balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Propagation: Divide the root clump in spring.
Habitat & origin
Native to tropical Australia and parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, where it grows in warm, humid forest understories.
It is widely grown as a seasonal patio plant in temperate regions and as a year-round houseplant. In USDA zones 9-11 it can remain outdoors permanently.
Frequently asked questions
How is Kimberly Queen different from a Boston fern?
Kimberly Queen grows upright with stiff, sword-shaped fronds, while Boston fern arches and trails. Kimberly Queen also sheds less and tolerates dry air better.
Why are the frond tips turning brown?
Brown tips usually signal dry soil or very low humidity. Keep the soil evenly moist and increase humidity around the plant.
Can I grow it outdoors?
Yes, in part shade during warm months. It is only frost-hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and should be brought inside before cold weather.
Kimberly Queen Fern guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Kimberly Queen Fern.
