Nephrolepis cordifolia

sword fern
Finely toothed and erect, slowly spreads by stolons into a clump. More tolerant of under-watering than other ferns, especially in shade.
height 2–3
width 2–3ft
tolerates Cool Summers, Fog, Moist Soil, Pots
water
needs		 Moderate – High
water
info		 Water this plant regularly, when the surface of the soil feels dry. Usually this will mean once or twice a week in dry weather. Use drippers, emitters, or a slow stream of water so that it doesn’t run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through to the deepest layers of soil. In a pot slowly water the entire surface until water comes out of the bottom of your pot.
hardy
to		 25F
exposure Full Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil, Tolerates Heavy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin S Asia
sunset
zones		 8, 9, 12–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

This fern looks best with a yearly pruning. You can cut it to the ground in late winter, or selectively remove the oldest leaves in summer anger new growth has filled in.