Sword Fern
(Nephrolepis exaltata)
Sword Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
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Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 | Uploader: Helmy oved | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Nephrolepis_exaltata_(20765001835).jpg | Notes: == {{int:filedesc}} == {{Information |Description=Pinus cembra (Arolla pine) |Source=[https://www.flickr.com/photos/35142635@N05/16216666858/ Pinus cembra (Arolla pine)] |Date=2015-01-29 12:03 |Author=[https://www.flickr.com/peopl
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Nephrolepis exaltata, commonly known as Sword Fern or Boston Fern, is an evergreen fern native to humid forests and swampy areas in the Neotropics, Florida, and the Caribbean. It typically grows to 40–90 centimeters (16–35 inches) in cultivation but can exceed 2 meters (6 feet 5 inches) in its natural habitat. The fronds are long and arching, measuring 50–250 centimeters (20–98 inches) in length and 6–15 centimeters (2.4–5.9 inches) in width, with a distinctive sword-like shape. Sword Ferns are popular for their lush, feathery foliage and are often used in hanging baskets or as ground cover in shaded gardens.
Sword Ferns are valued for their air-purifying qualities and low maintenance requirements, making them ideal houseplants. They are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11 and can survive brief periods of frost by going dormant and resurging in spring. In cultivation, they prefer damp, nutrient-rich soil and high humidity, necessitating misting when grown indoors. While they thrive in partial to full shade outdoors, they require bright, filtered light indoors. Care should be taken in some regions as Nephrolepis exaltata can be invasive outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Sword Ferns are valued for their air-purifying qualities and low maintenance requirements, making them ideal houseplants. They are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11 and can survive brief periods of frost by going dormant and resurging in spring. In cultivation, they prefer damp, nutrient-rich soil and high humidity, necessitating misting when grown indoors. While they thrive in partial to full shade outdoors, they require bright, filtered light indoors. Care should be taken in some regions as Nephrolepis exaltata can be invasive outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Ferns
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season:
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Humid forests and swampy areas in the Neotropics, Florida, and the Caribbean
Other Names
Common Names: Boston Swordfern , Sword Fern
Scientific Names: Nephrolepis exaltata , Nephrodium exaltatum , Aspidium flagelliferum , Aspidium exaltatum
GBIF Accepted Name: Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott