How to grow Sword Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Indoor
OR
Fluorescent
Medium

Prefers indirect but bright light with high humidity. Keep away from heat

Growing Sword fern from seed

Ferns grow from spores, and develop on the surface of moist compost under humid conditions.
It is easier to split an established plant that has out grown its container

Transplanting Sword fern

When potting up use ericaceous compost. Ferns appreciate humidity, and this can be increased by placing the pot inside a second larger decorative pot with moist gravel in the base

Sword fern is tender, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside - as a guideline, the minimum temperature outside should be approximately 8°C / 46°F.

How long does Sword fern take to grow?

These estimates for how long Sword fern takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

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Sword fern Etymology

‘Nephrolepis’ refers to the kidney-shaped sporagia.

Other names for Sword fern

Boston fern, Tiger fern, Petticoat fern, Fluffy ruffle fern

Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott ssp. exaltata, Polypodium exaltatum