sword fern

Also known as: boss fern; Boston fern; ladder fern

N. exaltata is an evergreen fern to 1m tall, forming a large clump of narrow, arching, ladder-like, pinnate light green fronds to 2m long, the pinnae narrowly oblong or sickle-shaped; often produces young plant on runners

Scientific classification

Species: sword fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Genus: Nephrolepis
Family: Lomariopsidaceae

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Toxicity: Ferns
Plant type: 0.5-1 metres
Height: 1-1.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Partial shade
Sunlight: 18 – 27 °C
Ideal temperature

sword fern pictures

Distribution of sword fern

Distribution map

Tropics

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of sword fern

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sword fern care guide

Keep soil consistently moist
Watering: Partial shade
Sunlight: 18 – 27 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist

Fertilizing

Monthly

Pruning

Remove any dead fronds

Propagation

Propagate by spores, sow spores at 21°C (70°F) as soon as ripe. Separate rooted runners in late winter or early spring

Growing

Grow indoors or under glass in a 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 soft water and apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Fronds can rot if they become too wet

More growing and care information →