Nephrolepis (Sword fern) - Care tips

Nephrolepis leaf

Nephrolepis (Sword fern)

Nephrolepis is a genus that includes about 44 species of ferns belonging to the family Nephrolepidaceae. It has roots in subtropical and tropical regions of South-East Asia, South America as well as one species in Europe, the Nephrolepis Cordifolia. It quickly became an ornamental plant that is popular in many households! Because, among us, who doesn't like a little fern here and there to accentuate their urban jungle?

Nephrolepis plant care tips

Light and placement for Nephrolepis

Nephrolepis generally like semi-shade, but make sure there is no direct light! This little baby needs some time to get used to bright light. In fact, it is important to keep her in a shady place after bringing her home, so that she can get used to it properly, before you move her to a lighter spot. Since she loves moisture and warmth, like other ferns, the bathroom is a perfect place for this green baby!

Water

Your Nephrolepis, compared to an Asparagus, is also a tropical plant, but it will be happy with a larger amount of water. The soil of the ferns must always be kept moist. The first reason why a Nephrolepis dies is if the soil is too dry, so check daily to make sure your baby is well hydrated. If you feel with your fingers that the soil is too dry, you can give it a good splash of water. Soaking your baby's pot once a month can be a good idea to make sure she is fully hydrated, but don't forget to drain her.

Nutrition

A good care tip about the Nephrolepis is that nutrition is not much needed for her. Your green beauty is not a hungry one! However, giving her some PLNTS Nutrition in Spring and Summer, for the growth season, this can help her grow super fast.

Nephrolepis plants [1748x993]

Propagating Nephrolepis

Propagating your green beauty is not complicated. To succeed, we advise you to propagate her in Spring, when you repot your houseplants. Using a clean sharp pruning shear (never forget to clean your pruning shear before and after using them on your plant to prevent disease and pests on your plant), cut off the little baby that grows next to the main stem. Place your cuttings in a pot with cutting soil (it should be a good draining mix). Within a few weeks the whole root system will thrive and produce beautiful little ferns!

Most common pests on Nephrolepis

Unfortunately, these babies are susceptible to getting attacked by pests. Spider mites and mealybugs love Nephrolepis. If your plant gets infected, it’s important to react quickly to be sure your green friend remains healthy. If you take a close look at your plant and see something but you are not sure of what it can be, we advise you to check our PLNTSdoctor page to recognise and eliminate your plant pests!

Are Nephrolepis poisonous for your pets or children?

If you have cute four-legged friends and you are afraid for their health, because we know that our furry friends love to nibble our green friends, we can assure you that the Nephrolepis is not toxic for pets (or children)! You can sleep with both your eyes closed, the worst scenario is that your pets eat your plant entirely as it’s not toxic.

Nephrolepis plant for sale

At PLNTS.com we have 2 possibilities! Starting with the possibility of seeing a beautiful Nephrolepis Green Fantasy grow up in your home. Isn't that super cool! If you are interested in this beauty you can check out our Baby Nephrolepis Green Fantasy. Otherwise, if you prefer a lighter shade, you can choose our beautiful Baby Nephrolepis Blonde. Here at PLNTS.com, we have you covered for your plant dreams!

Hi, I'm Emma, your PLNTS.com guide!

Hi, I’m Emma, your PLNTS.com guide!