Also known as Boston Fern · Erect Sword Fern · Fishbone Fern
Narrow Swordfern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) is an adaptable evergreen fern known for its upright, sword-shaped fronds and ability to thrive in various conditions, making it
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, Indirect
75% intensity
Prefers bright light but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.
Consistently Moist
75% intensity
Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings, but do not let it dry out completely.
Well-draining, humus-rich potting mix
50% intensity
Average Room Temperature
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Avoid drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Indoor, Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half 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 |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Maintain consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogging. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly in winter, allowing the soil to dry out a bit more between waterings.
Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing fronds at the base of the plant. This encourages new growth and maintains a tidy appearance. You can also trim back leggy or overgrown plants to promote a bushier habit.
Pruning is best done in spring.
Propagate by division of clumps during repotting or by runners. Runners are specialized stems that grow along the soil surface and form small plantlets.
These can be carefully detached and potted up once they have developed roots.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix with added perlite.
Repotting is best done in spring.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Narrow Swordfern (Nephrolepis cordifolia)
Where Narrow Swordfern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) 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 cordifolia |
Similar in genus Nephrolepis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
