Nephrolepis exaltata

Sword Fern, Boston Fern, Wild Boston Fern, Bostonfern

Easy careTerrestrialNon-toxic30–90 cm

A vigorous fern native to tropical and subtropical Americas, from Florida and the Caribbean south to Brazil. Long, arching fronds radiate from a central crown, and the plant spreads through stolons — wiry runners that root wherever they touch moist substrate. It does best in high humidity and consistently moist soil, conditions that reflect its swamp-forest origins. A large closed terrarium or paludarium suits it well. Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Sword Fern image

Care

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerantBright indirect

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Very high (80%+)Medium (40–60%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
16°C – 24°C

Soil

Loamy(preferred)Moisture retentivePeat moss

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Appearance

Growth habit

UprightClumping

Leaf shape

Compound

Leaf texture

FeatherySmooth

Distribution

Propagation

Divide crowded clumps in spring, separating sections that each have fronds and roots. Pot each division in moist, loamy mix and keep humidity high until established.

References

  1. 1

    Kew Plants of the World Online — Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17160830-1
  2. 2

    NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Nephrolepis exaltata

    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/nephrolepis-exaltata/
  3. 3

    Terrarium Tribe — Nephrolepis exaltata (Sword Fern)

    https://terrariumtribe.com/terrarium-plants/nephrolepis-exaltata-sword-fern/
  4. 4

    Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Nephrolepis exaltata

    https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c548
  5. 5