About
This evergreen, frost-tender fern with an upright, spreading habit attaining 90cm tall and wide. Good for air purification. The broadly lance-shaped, pinnate fronds grow upright initially before arching and then drooping with age.
About the genus
Nephrolepis are rhizomatous, sometimes stoloniferous, evergreen ferns with narrow, pinnately divided fronds, broader and more highly dissected in many cultivars
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
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
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 as soon as ripe; resulting plants may not come true. Separate rooted runners in late winter or early spring
Pest resistanceCan suffer from scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to rot if fronds become too wet