Western Sword Fern Plant Care
Parapolystichum munitum (Mett.) Labiak, Sundue & R.C.Moran
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Parapolystichum munitum, synonym Lastreopsis munita, the naked shield fern is a plant found in tropical and subtropical forest areas in eastern Australia. Often seen in large colonies, near streams in rainforest and wet eucalyptus areas, north from the Barrington Tops.
Every 5–7 days
Filtered light, avoid direct sun
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Western Sword Fern?
Water Western Sword Fern every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered light, avoid direct sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Western Sword Fern Native To?
What Is the Western Sword Fern?
Western Sword Fern (Parapolystichum munitum) belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family within the Parapolystichum genus. Western Sword Fern is native to tropical and subtropical forest areas in eastern Australia. Western Sword Fern is also known as Sword Fern.
Western Sword Fern displays a clumping fern with arching fronds growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Western Sword Fern produces non-flowering plant.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Western Sword Fern?
Parapolystichum munitum requires watering every 5–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Western Sword Fern Need?
Western Sword Fern thrives in filtered light, avoid direct sun.
Light Requirement
Filtered light, avoid direct sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Western Sword Fern Prefer?
Parapolystichum munitum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Western Sword Fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Western Sword Fern?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Western Sword Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Western Sword Fern?
Feed Western Sword Fern every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Western Sword Fern?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Western Sword Fern?
Western Sword Fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to parapolystichum microsorum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Western Sword Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Western Sword Fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Western Sword Fern?
Western Sword Fern is susceptible to spider mites, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Western Sword Fern Need?
Western Sword Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Western Sword Fern is native to tropical and subtropical forest areas in eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Western Sword Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Western Sword Fern is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Parapolystichum genus — compare its care with other Parapolystichum species on PlantoScan.
Parapolystichum is part of the Dryopteridaceae plant family — browse all Dryopteridaceae genera and species.
Western Sword Fern thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Parapolystichum munitum (Mett.) Labiak, Sundue & R.C.Moran, family Dryopteridaceae (first published in Brittonia 67(1): 83. 2014 [1 Oct 2014] [epublished]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Western Sword Fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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