Nephrolepis cordifolia

Tuberous Sword Fern, Lemon Button Fern, Fishbone Fern, Ladder Fern, Erect Sword Fern

Easy careTerrestrialNon-toxic30–90 cm

A hardy fern with graceful arching fronds and rounded pinnae, native from tropical Africa through Asia to Australia and the Pacific. Unusually tough for a fern — it can tolerate dry spells, poor soil, and even full sun — yet it does well in the humid, shaded conditions of a closed terrarium. The compact 'Duffii' (Lemon Button) cultivar is popular for smaller builds.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Tuberous Sword Fern image

Care

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Bright indirectShade tolerant

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Medium (40–60%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
15°C – 27°C

Soil

Well draining(preferred)LoamyPeat moss

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 7

Appearance

Growth habit

ClumpingUpright

Leaf shape

Compound

Leaf texture

Feathery

Distribution

Propagation

Divide the root ball into sections during spring repotting, making sure each division has fronds and roots attached. Pot into fresh well-draining mix and keep moist. The most straightforward method for home growers.