Family: Oleandraceae
Common Name: Sword Fern

Mostly found on the edges of rainforests in the tropics, these ferns are grown extensively as indoor plants around the world. There are about 30 species, as well as numerous popular cultivars. They have short, scaly, upright rhizomes, crowded stems and hair-like runners. The fishbone-shaped fronds vary from erect to pendent, and the sickle-shaped leaflets are often much divided. These fast-growing ferns make good pot plants for the home or the intermediate greenhouse or conservatory.

Species

N. cordifolia, southern sword fern, has become naturalized in most tropical and many subtropical regions of the world. It is very vigorous, producing fleshy tubers along its wiry running roots.

N. exaltata, sword fern, is a tropical American species which has also naturalized itself in many areas of the world.

N. exaltata 'Bostoniensis' is the well-known Boston fern which is widely used as a houseplant. There are many other cultivars of this species , some with finely divided or heavily ruffled fronds, others with extremely long, pendulous fronds that can only be grown in hanging baskets.

Cultivation

Under glass or indoors, grow these ferns in soil-based potting compost to which some well-rotted leaf mould has been added if available. Ensure good light, but shade from direct sun which may cause scorching of the fronds. Provide a humid atmosphere, but at the same time, airy conditions. Plants need moderate amounts of water in the growing season, but far less in winter. Feed every three or four weeks during the spring and summer with weak liquid fertilizer. Propagate by detaching and potting rooted runners in spring.

Climate

Subtropical to tropical. N. cordifolia will survive in zone 10.