Fact Sheet FPS-427
October, 1999
Nephrolepis exaltata1
Edward F. Gilman2
Introduction
This dependable, easy-to-grow fern produces great masses
of long, narrow, pale green leaves, creating beautiful hanging
baskets or gently arching out of raised containers (Fig. 1). But
Sword Fern also makes a wonderful groundcover, creating a
dense, tropical effect, its two to three-foot high, graceful fronds
quickly spreading over the ground by means of thin, green
runners. While somewhat invasive in ideal locations, Sword
Fern can be controlled by thinning, the removed plants
transplanting extremely well. It may be best to confine a
grouping of plants with an edging such as plastic or metal to
prevent spreading into unwanted areas.
General Information
Scientific name: Nephrolepis exaltata
Pronunciation: neff-FRAHL-lepp-piss eck-sahl-TAY-tuh
Common name(s): Boston Fern, Sword Fern
Family: Davalliaceae
Plant type: perennial; herbaceous
USDA hardiness zones: 8B through 11 (Fig. 2) Figure 1. Boston Fern.
Planting month for zone 8: year round
Planting month for zone 9: year round
Planting month for zone 10 and 11: year round Description
Origin: native to North America Height: .5 to 4 feet
Uses: mass planting; container or above-ground planter; Spread: depends upon supporting structure
naturalizing; hanging basket; suitable for growing indoors Plant habit: upright
Availablity: generally available in many areas within its Plant density: moderate
hardiness range Growth rate: fast
Texture: fine
1. This document is Fact Sheet FPS-427, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food
and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: October, 1999 Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University
of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational
information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.
For information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office. Florida Cooperative
Extension Service / Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences / University of Florida / Christine Taylor Waddill, Dean
Nephrolepis exaltata -- Boston Fern Page 2
Figure 2. Shaded area represents potential planting range.
Foliage Fruit characteristic: no fruit
Leaf arrangement: most emerge from the soil, usually without Trunk and Branches
a stem
Leaf type: even-pinnately compound Trunk/bark/branches: not applicable
Leaf margin: serrate; undulate Current year stem/twig color: not applicable
Leaf shape: lanceolate; ovate Current year stem/twig thickness: not applicable
Leaf venation: none, or difficult to see
Leaf type and persistence: semi-evergreen
Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches
Leaf color: green Culture
Fall color: no fall color change
Fall characteristic: not showy Light requirement: plant grows in part shade/part sun; plant
grows in the shade
Flower Soil tolerances: occasionally wet; clay; sand; acidic; slightly
alkaline; loam
Flower color: no flowers Drought tolerance: moderate
Flower characteristic: no flowers Soil salt tolerances: poor
Plant spacing: 24 to 36 inches
Fruit
Fruit shape: no fruit
Fruit length: no fruit
Fruit cover: no fruit
Fruit color: no fruit
October 1999
Nephrolepis exaltata -- Boston Fern Page 3
Other
Roots: not applicable
Winter interest: no special winter interest
Outstanding plant: not particularly outstanding
Invasive potential: potentially invasive
Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests
Use and Management
Growing in partial to deep shade, Sword Fern needs moist
but well-drained soils until established but can later survive
periodic bouts of dry weather. Light fertilizations are
recommended during the growing season. Thick clumps can be
stimulated by severe pruning, new fronds quickly sprouting
from the roots. Plant on 12 to 24-inch centers for quick
establishment. Figure 3. Foliage of Boston Fern
Many cultivars are available for leaf structure, height and
growth rate. ‘Bostoniensis’ is the classic indoor fern, with a
spreading and arching growth habit; ‘Fluffy Ruffles’,
`Rooseveltii’, and `Whitmanii’ all have more finely cut and
feathery fronds.
Propagation is easily done by division of the clumps.
Sword Fern may at times be bothered by scale, mites,
mealy bugs, snails, or slugs.
Pests and Diseases
Fungus diseases may occasionally be a problem.
October 1999
