Sword Fern Plant Care

Sword Fern (Nephrolepis biserrata) belongs to the Nephrolepidaceae family within the Nephrolepis genus. Sword Fern is native to Southeast Asia, Australia, North America, South America, Pacific islands. Sword Fern is also known as Boston Sword Fern, Wild Boston Fern, Fishbone Fern.

Sword Fern displays a compact, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Sword Fern produces does not produce flowers. it is a fern species that reproduces through spores rather than flowering..

Leaf size: approximately 10 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Sword Fern every 7–14 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.

Sword Fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Sword Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Nephrolepis biserrata tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Sword Fern prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Sword Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Sword Fern every 12 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 bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Sword Fern is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

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.

Sword Fern can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 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.

Sword Fern is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Sword Fern can be propagated through division of rhizomes or spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to boston fern plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Sword Fern is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. 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.

Sword Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Sword Fern is native to Southeast Asia, Australia, North America, South America, Pacific islands. In cooler regions, grow Sword Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.