Sword Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
Also listed as Aspidium exaltatum, Hypopeltis exaltata
Also known as Boston Sword Fern, Boston Fern, Fishbone Fern
Climate Match for your location
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A classic tropical fern with delicate, feathery green fronds that grow in upright arching clusters. It prefers indirect light and consistently moist soil, making it ideal for indoor containers or humid, shaded garden spots.
Why grow it
Sword fern tolerates a wider range of indoor light conditions than many tropical ferns, performing adequately in moderate indirect light rather than requiring the deep shade some species demand. Its upright, compact growth habit makes it more space-efficient than sprawling ferns for container cultivation, and it recovers reliably from pruning if fronds become damaged or aged.
Watch out for
This fern's preference for consistent moisture means soil should be checked frequently, as container-grown plants in warm or dry indoor environments can dry out quickly between waterings. The fronds can accumulate dust and benefit from occasional misting or gentle rinsing, which also helps manage spider mites that sometimes colonize indoor specimens.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Nephrolepidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Tropical Americas
Native to: Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Texas
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A classic tropical fern with delicate, feathery green fronds that grow in upright arching clusters. It prefers indirect light and consistently moist soil, making it ideal for indoor containers or humid, shaded garden spots.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sword Fern grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Sword fern tolerates a wider range of indoor light conditions than many tropical ferns, performing adequately in moderate indirect light rather than requiring the deep shade some species demand. Its upright, compact growth habit makes it more space-efficient than sprawling ferns for container cultivation, and it recovers reliably from pruning if fronds become damaged or aged.
Watch out for
This fern's preference for consistent moisture means soil should be checked frequently, as container-grown plants in warm or dry indoor environments can dry out quickly between waterings. The fronds can accumulate dust and benefit from occasional misting or gentle rinsing, which also helps manage spider mites that sometimes colonize indoor specimens.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Nephrolepidaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Tropical Americas
Native to: Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Texas
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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