Nephrolepis

( nef - roh - LEP - iss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of ferns is commonly called Sword Fern, Ladder Fern, or Fishbone Fern, is an easy to grow tropical native plant. Individual plants reach up to 2 to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide at maturity and forms tufts of green, narrow, upright fronds with fine-toothed leaflets. These plants can be invasive in the garden, spreading via thin runners that can be hard to control. They are adaptable ferns, able to handle poor soil, erratic watering, and some neglect. Nephrolepis is the type genus member of the plant family Nephrolepidaceae and includes 20-30 distinct species. The plants in this genus are related to those in Platycerium (Staghorn Fern), Asplenium (Bird's Nest Fern) and Adiantum (Maidenhair Fern). Use these plants as low-traffic area groundcover or in narrow, shaded beds. These ferns can be used in hanging baskets or containers, as groundcover or erosion control in shaded areas of the landscape, or in mixed borders and beds. They also make handsome indoor plants.

Caring for Nephrolepis

Nephrolepis, or Sword Ferns, do well in partial to full shade. Space plants between 18 to 36 inches apart for best coverage and airflow. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients and humus, and has a pH of between 5.0 and 6.5 (acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants perform well in consistently moist soils.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing season. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, these ferns will need to be divided (especially if they are being grown in a cramped border or container). For instructions on how to successfully divide Nephrolepis ferns, see the Propagation section below. Under ideal conditions, these ferns can survive for 10 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced.

Caring for Nephrolepis in Containers
These ferns do very well in the ground and can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least 8 to 12 inches wide and as deep, and ensure that it has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow excess water to drain away from the root zone. Fill with a well-draining potting mix. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, these ferns prefer to receive regular water, though this varies somewhat depending on the species grown. Nephrolepis plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Caring for Nephrolepis Indoors
Choose a container for your fern that is about 6 to 8 inches wide and just as deep. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes before planting. These ferns do well in a well-draining, organically rich soil. After planting, set the container in a space that is sheltered from dry, cool drafts. They prefer a humidity of between 50% and 80%, which can be imitated by misting twice daily. Frond tips will begin to brown in low humidity. Provide these ferns with bright to medium, indirect light. A spot inside of an east or north-facing window is ideal. Avoid placing in direct sun, even indoors, as this can sunburn foliage. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Withhold feedings and lessen waterings in fall and winter when these ferns are dormant. It is best to water these ferns with rainwater or distilled water; tap water can cause leaves to brown. Every few years, these ferns will need to be divided. For instructions on how to successfully divide Nephrolepis, see the Propagation section below.

Propagation

Nephrolepis, or Sword Fern, is best propagated through division of existing plants or root cuttings. Spores can be used to propagate as well, though doing so requires more specialized knowledge, previous experience, and a suitable medium. To learn more about propagating ferns via spores, see the Propagation module. To propagate your fern, follow the directions below:

Propagating Nephrolepis by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.