Giant Sword Fern Plant Care

Giant Sword Fern (Nephrolepis brownii) belongs to the Nephrolepidaceae family within the Nephrolepis genus. Giant Sword Fern is native to Asia and introduced else. Giant Sword Fern is also known as Asian Sword Fern.

Giant Sword Fern displays a lush, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Giant Sword Fern produces non-flowering.

Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Giant 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.

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

Nephrolepis brownii tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Giant Sword Fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining potting mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Giant Sword Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Giant Sword Fern every 6 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 to low light and rich, well-draining potting mix with peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Giant Sword Fern is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Giant Sword Fern can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 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 Giant 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.

Giant Sword Fern is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

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

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Giant 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.

Giant Sword Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Giant Sword Fern is native to Asia and introduced else. In cooler regions, grow Giant Sword Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.