Sword Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
A lush perennial fern featuring long, arching green fronds composed of numerous small, lance-shaped pinnae arranged symmetrically along a central stem.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 4 to 6 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the fronds.
- Water
- Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil begins to feel slightly dry. Maintain high humidity around the foliage and avoid letting the root system dry out completely.
- Growth
- Clump-forming evergreen perennial with an upright to arching growth habit, reaching a mature height and spread of 2 to 3 feet.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Maintain high ambient humidity through regular misting or placing the container on a pebble tray filled with water. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly during the active spring and summer growing seasons.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 4 to 6 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the fronds.
Watering
Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil begins to feel slightly dry. Maintain high humidity around the foliage and avoid letting the root system dry out completely.
Soil
Rich, organic, well-draining potting mix containing peat moss or compost with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.0 to 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, grown as an indoor container plant in cooler climates.
Growth habit
Clump-forming evergreen perennial with an upright to arching growth habit, reaching a mature height and spread of 2 to 3 feet.
Bloom season
Non-flowering
Propagation
Propagated by division of mature root clumps during spring repotting, or by detaching and transplanting the small runner plantlets produced by the parent plant.
Common pests & issues
Prone to leaf tip browning and frond drop when exposed to dry indoor air or underwatering. Pests include mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites, which can be managed with insecticidal soap.
Similar species
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'), which has wider, more drooping fronds and ruffled leaflets compared to the standard wild species.