Fishbone Fern
Nephrolepis cordifolia
Also listed as Aspidium cordifolium, Polypodium cordifolium
Also known as Sword Fern, Tuber Sword Fern, Ladder Fern
Climate Match for your location
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A delicate, feathery fern with finely divided fronds that resemble fishbones. Thrives in humid, indirect light and makes an excellent houseplant or addition to shaded garden areas.
Why grow it
Nephrolepis cordifolia tolerates lower humidity levels than many tropical ferns, making it more forgiving for indoor cultivation than species like Adiantum. It establishes quickly and recovers well from occasional neglect, useful for gardeners new to fern cultivation. The upright, compact growth habit suits smaller spaces or container arrangements where larger ferns would overwhelm.
Watch out for
This fern prefers consistent moisture without waterlogging, so drainage and watering frequency require regular monitoring rather than a set schedule. Indoor specimens may experience slower growth and less vigorous frond development in typical household light compared to properly shaded outdoor conditions.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Nephrolepidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Tropical Africa and Asia
Native to: Hawaii
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate, feathery fern with finely divided fronds that resemble fishbones. Thrives in humid, indirect light and makes an excellent houseplant or addition to shaded garden areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Fishbone Fern grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Nephrolepis cordifolia tolerates lower humidity levels than many tropical ferns, making it more forgiving for indoor cultivation than species like Adiantum. It establishes quickly and recovers well from occasional neglect, useful for gardeners new to fern cultivation. The upright, compact growth habit suits smaller spaces or container arrangements where larger ferns would overwhelm.
Watch out for
This fern prefers consistent moisture without waterlogging, so drainage and watering frequency require regular monitoring rather than a set schedule. Indoor specimens may experience slower growth and less vigorous frond development in typical household light compared to properly shaded outdoor conditions.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Nephrolepidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Tropical Africa and Asia
Native to: Hawaii
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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