Sword fern: care, location & propagation

The sword fern is not only easy to care for, but also an interesting primeval plant and an eye-catcher in the home and office.

Here you can find out how a suitable location for the sword fern (Nephrodlepis) looks like, and get tips and tricks for the care and propagation of the tropical plant. We also present the most popular sword fern species and varieties.

Sword fern: origin and properties

The sword fern is often also referred to as kidney scale fern, curling fern, or simply as fern. With its green fronds, the sword fern brings jungle character into the home. It is a genus of plants in the sword fern family (Nephrolepida). There is still disagreement about the number of species, which is estimated at around 30. Sword ferns grow in tropical and subtropical forests either on the ground or epiphytic, that is, mounted on other plants. The evergreen perennials have pinnate fronds that grow out of the center of the plant in a rosette. They usually hang over the edge of the pot, which is why the sword fern is particularly effective when hanging in a hanging basket.

The sword fern is also said to have an air-purifying effect Fern as a houseplant makes it all the more popular.

by the way: Ferns are among the oldest plants on our planet. They settled the country more than 300 million years ago. They do not form flowers, but use spores on the underside of the leaves to reproduce.

The most beautiful types and varieties

The genus of sword ferns includes various species, as well as sword fern varieties specially bred for indoor keeping. Here we give a small overview of the most popular representatives of the sword ferns.

• Nephrolepis exaltata: The classic sword fern. If one speaks of the sword fern, it is usually of Nephrolepis exaltata the speech. The overhanging fronds grow slightly erect and are compound or pinnate. They can reach a length of 80 cm.
• Nephrolepis cordifolia: This species likes shady and moist locations and is also a popular houseplant. The slightly upright fronds are somewhat narrower here and reach lengths of around 60 cm. In contrast to Nephrolepis exaltata forms Nephrolepis cordifolia underground root nodules.
• Nephrolepis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffles': This is a miniature variety with bipartite leaves. This means that the individual leaflets of the fronds are subdivided again. This results in the "fluffy" appearance.
• Nephrolepis exaltata ‘GreenLady': This variety convinces with a bushy, dense habit and a medium green leaf colour.
• 'Variegata': In contrast to the other varieties, the leaves of this heavy fern variety are not completely green, but variegated green-light green-white.

Plant sword fern: location, soil and procedure

The ideal heavy fern location is humid, warm and partially shaded to light, but not sunny, especially at midday. Since the sword fern grows in nature under the protection of other plants, it should never be exposed to the blazing sun indoors either. Nevertheless, it needs some light for healthy growth. The temperature should be around 20 °C all year round and not drop below 18 °C. Since the sword fern loves moist air, it should not be placed near a drafty window or over a heater. The sword fern finds good conditions in the bathroom if enough light can penetrate there. If you want to keep the sword fern in the bedroom or in another place in the apartment, you have to keep the humidity high by spraying the plant occasionally. Also the attitude in hydroponics is possible, the humidity in the immediate vicinity of the fern is also automatically increased a little.

Above all, the substrate for the sword fern must have a high water storage capacity. A loose structure is also an advantage. A sustainable choice, for example, is ours Plantura organic universal soil. It consists of natural raw materials and contains no peat. To prevent waterlogging, a drainage layer of potsherds or a similar, coarse material should be laid out on the bottom of the pot.

In the summer months, the sword fern can also be placed outside. Here, too, you should choose a location that is protected from the sun and slowly get used to the new place. So put it outside for a few hours for the first few days and then gradually for longer. From September the sword fern should be brought back into the house. To increase the humidity, you can fill the trivet with expanded clay beads and pour water on it. If you now place the pot on the balls, the roots of the sword fern will not be in the water, but it will still benefit from the evaporation moisture.

Care of the sword fern

In addition to a suitable location, the sword fern needs care so that it can develop magnificently. This includes regular watering and fertilizing.

Water, cut and fertilize

The moisture-loving sword fern should be watered regularly - but not excessively. He likes a constantly moist root environment, but not waterlogging. Therefore, remove the excess irrigation water that collects in the saucer. It is best to use lukewarm rainwater or other lime-free water. Stale tap water can also be used. The water for spraying the fronds should also contain no lime if possible.

You don't have to cut the sword fern, but you can remove dried, yellow or overly long leaves. Cut them off at the base with a sharp knife. The sword fern tolerates a cut and will sprout again.

If you fertilize the sword fern, with a reasonable dosage, it will grow green and lush. In the vegetation period from spring to autumn, you can give the plant a green plant fertilizer over the irrigation water every two weeks. For example, our is suitable for this Plantura organic indoor and green plant fertilizer, which provides the right ratio of nitrogen and potassium for lush ornamental foliage plants. For the sword fern, half the dosage of fertilizer is sufficient. After repotting, you do not need to fertilize for the first three months. Even in winter you can do without fertilizer.

Is sword fern hardy?

The sword fern is not hardy outdoors in our country, because it needs relatively high temperatures even in the cold season. A room temperature of over 12 °C is necessary for the sword fern to continue to do well. Nevertheless, the sword fern grows more slowly in winter, which is why it needs less fertilizer at this time.

In the spring you can repot the sword fern. Young specimens are best every year, older ones only every three years or when the root ball completely fills the pot. Use a larger pot and don't fertilize for the first few months after repotting.

Sword fern is losing leaves: you can do that

The sword fern gets wilted and brown leaves or even loses its fronds? There can be different reasons. Once you understand the reason, there is a chance to save the sword fern.

• Dry air: It is often not that easy to keep the air humidity sufficiently high. Then it can happen that the fronds dry up and turn brown. Place a bowl of water next to the plant and spray the fern with lime-free water every few days.
• dry earth: Dry soil can also lead to withered fronds, since water can no longer be transported from the roots to the leaves. Use your finger to check whether the soil is still moist enough and water more frequently if necessary.
• direct sun: Since ferns are naturally used to shady or semi-shady places, too much light can sometimes lead to brown discolored leaves. Then simply place the sword fern in a less bright location.
• fertilizer: Too much or too little fertilizer can also cause leaf discoloration. Therefore, be careful not to use too much fertilizer and try fertilizing a little less at first.

Propagating Sword Fern

There are several methods to propagate the sword fern. In addition to dividing the mother plant and using offshoots, you can also try propagation via spores.

The easiest way to propagate is by dividing the root ball. When repotting the sword fern, you can simply split the root ball into two parts and plant the two plants in separate pots. However, this method only works with older plants that already have several leaf rosettes.

Propagation via sword fern offshoots is also possible with older specimens. These form small offshoots from the root ball, which in turn can be separated and planted in their own pots. Keep the young plants nice and moist and ensure sufficient humidity.

Propagation via the spores is not that easy, but it can be successful. When the spore capsules on the underside of the leaf are brown and ripe, you can cut off one of the fronds and place it on a piece of newspaper. The capsules should open after some time and the spores will fall on the newspaper. You now have to carefully distribute these on the growing substrate. For example, our is suitable for this Plantura organic herb and seed soil, whose properties are precisely tailored to the needs of young plants. Spray the spores with water and cover with cling film. This can be aired every few days. The vessel is best placed in a warm place. Over time, a mossy coating should form. This must be carefully placed on a new substrate with the help of a spoon and placed in a bright place. With a bit of luck, small sword ferns will form here in a few weeks. Be sure to always use clean tools and sterile, boiled water.

Is the sword fern poisonous?

Sword ferns are slightly toxic, meaning they contain such small amounts of toxic substances that the fronds are considered harmless to eat. Accordingly, the sword fern is not poisonous to cats, dogs or other pets and you don't have to worry about your children either.

Another interesting fern for indoor keeping is the nest fern. Find out what makes it special and how to care for it in our article.