Brazilian Sword Fern Plant Care

Brazilian Sword Fern (Cipoia inserta) belongs to the Podostemaceae family within the Cipoia genus. Brazilian Sword Fern is native to Brazil. Brazilian Sword Fern is also known as Microsorum insertum.

Brazilian Sword Fern displays an aquatic, low-growing mat growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Brazilian Sword Fern produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Water a young or newly planted Brazilian Sword Fern every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Brazilian Sword Fern thrives in high light intensity, direct or indirect aquatic lighting. Avoid placing Brazilian Sword Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Cipoia inserta tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Brazilian Sword Fern prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rocky substrate with fast-flowing water, rich in nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Brazilian Sword Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Brazilian Sword Fern every 2 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with high light intensity, direct or indirect aquatic lighting and rocky substrate with fast-flowing water, rich in nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Brazilian Sword Fern can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Brazilian Sword Fern while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Brazilian Sword Fern can be propagated through seed dispersal, vegetative propagation through specialized structures.

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Brazilian Sword Fern is susceptible to algae, biofilm buildup. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.