ferns - Houseplants

nephrolepis exaltata – sword fern

the sword fern (nephrolepis exaltata), aka boston fern or fishbone fern is a very popular houseplant. there are cultivars with variegated or ruffled leaves available. it’s suitable for a hanging basket.

care

the sword fern (neprholepis exaltata) does good from bright indirect light to partial shade. some morning and/or evening sun is ok.

it can be planted in a regular potting soil or a mix between humus, gritty and sand (2:1:1). keep it evenly moist but not wet. the sword fern is more drought tolerant than other ferns so it’s no problem if the soil’s surface is drying between the waterings. but it shouldn’t completely dry out.

a half diluted water soluble fertilizer can be given monthly in spring/summer and every six/eight weeks during fall/winter (if placed at room temperature).

the sword fern can be wintered at +/-10 °c (50 °f). now it needs less watering (but no completely dry out) and must not be fed.

nephrolepis exaltata sword fern

propagation

nephrolepis exaltata can be propagated by division.

pellaea rotundifolia – button fern

the button fern (pellaea rotundifolia) is native to the temperate forests of new zealand. it’s also known under the common name roundleaf fern.

care

pellaea rotundifolia likes a bright place with a bit morning and/or eving sun but is also doing good if located light shaded.

a regular potting mix can be used. this has to be kept evenly moist but not wet. avoid overwatering such as completely drying out.

a water soluble fertilizer diluted by half can be given monthly during spring/summer and every six to eight weeks in fall/winter. if placed colder at this time there is no need to feed.

the button fern shouldn’t be placed to warm (+/-24 °c/75 °f) during summer but can be wintered at 10-15 °c (50-59 °f). it likes to be sprayed over with water regularly.

propagation

the button fern can be propagated by dividing its rhizom.

asplenium nidus – bird’s nest fern

the genus asplenium contains about 700 species and some of them are called bird’s nest fern. the most famous species asplenium nidus is a very popular houseplant. it can produce leaves up to 1 m in length.

care

the bird’s nest fern can be placed from bright to full shade, without direct sunlight. but it’s doing best in bright to light shade.

asplenium nidus can be planted in a good regular potting soil or a mix between humus, gritty and some sand (3:1:1).

keep the soil evenly moist but not wet, sitting in water can cause root rot. also avoid a complete dry out.

a half concentrated water soluble fertilizer can be given monthly.

the bird’s nest fern likes it warm throughout the year with a winter minimum of 15 °c (59 °f). it loves to be sprayed over with water regularly. to keep its leaves free from dust, a weekly shower can be given.