Nephrolepis cordifolia
erect sword fern
An upright, rhizomatous, evergreen fern with masses of dark green, dense, sword-shaped, tripinnate fronds which are ruffled around the edges. These ferns are capable of growing as an epiphyte on trees near to water, or in the ground. A good air-purifying plant and ideal for terrariums and bottle gardens
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Lomariopsidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Genus
Nephrolepis are rhizomatous, sometimes stoloniferous, evergreen ferns with narrow, pinnately divided fronds, broader and more highly dissected in many cultivars
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors or under glass in a multipurpose compost or a mix of 1 part loam, 2 parts sharp sand, and 3 parts leaf mould in bright filtered light, with moderate to high humidity and good ventilation. During the growing season, water moderately soft water and apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Fronds can rot if they become too wet. See Epiphytic Ferns for further advice. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice
Propagation
Sow spores are 21°C (70°F) as soon as ripe, but resulting plants are unlikely to come true. Separate rooted runners in late winter or early spring or propagate by runners
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Remove any dead fronds
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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