About
Nephrolepis exaltata, the sword fern, is an evergreen fern to 1 m tall forming a large clump of narrow, arching, ladder-like, pinnate, light-green fronds to 2 m long; it often produces young plants on long runners. An excellent air-purifying plant and one of the most popular of all conservatory and houseplant ferns.
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, Ferns, Herbaceous Perennial, Houseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Native toTropics
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. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice
PruningRemove any dead fronds
PropagationPropagate by spores, sow spores at 21°C (70°F) as soon as ripe. Separate rooted runners in late winter or early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to rot if fronds become too wet