Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly during cooler, dormant periods.
Also known as Broad Sword Fern · Fishtail Fern · Giant Sword Fern
Nephrolepis biserrata, the Giant Swordfern, is a large, robust fern prized for its upright, arching fronds and impressive size.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright Indirect Light
75% intensity
Prefers dappled sunlight or bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch fronds.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers evenly moist soil, avoid drying out completely or waterlogging.
Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil
50% intensity
Moderate to Warm
50% intensity
Ideal temperatures range from 18-24°C. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 13°C.
Moderate Feeding
50% intensity
Feed with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly during cooler, dormant periods.
Remove any brown, yellow, or damaged fronds at their base using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. This encourages new growth and maintains the plant's aesthetic appeal.
Light pruning can also be done to manage size if needed.
Propagate by dividing mature rhizomes in spring or by sowing spores on moist, sterile medium. Rhizome division is the most common and successful method, ensuring a true-to-type plant.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix with added perlite.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Giant Swordfern (Nephrolepis biserrata)
Where Giant Swordfern (Nephrolepis biserrata) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Nephrolepidaceae |
| Genus | Nephrolepis |
| Species | Nephrolepis biserrata |
Similar in genus Nephrolepis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
