About
Nephrolepis cordifolia, the erect sword fern, is an upright, rhizomatous evergreen fern forming masses of dark-green, dense, sword-shaped fronds that are ruffled around the edges. An effective air-purifying plant and ideal for terrariums, bottle gardens and conservatories. In the tropics it is capable of growing as an epiphyte on trees near water.
About the genus
Nephrolepis are rhizomatous, sometimes stoloniferous, evergreen ferns with narrow, pinnately divided fronds, broader and more highly dissected in many cultivars. Popular and ornamental ferns for conservatories, houseplant collections and heated greenhouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial, Houseplants
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Native toTropical & subtropical Asia to Pacific
Care notes
CultivationGrow indoors or under glass in a peat-free multipurpose compost, or a mix of 1 part loam, 2 parts sharp sand and 3 parts leaf mould, in bright filtered light, with moderate to high humidity and good ventilation. During the growing season, water moderately with soft water and apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Fronds can rot if they become too wet. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice
PruningRemove any dead fronds
PropagationSow spores are 21°C (70°F) as soon as ripe, but resulting plants are unlikely to come true. Separate rooted runners in late winter or early spring or propagate by runners
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free