Australian Sword Fern

Australian Sword Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)

Australian Sword Fern is a robust, upright fern with long, arching, sword-like fronds in vibrant green that add lush structure to living rooms, baths, covered porches, and shaded garden beds; its dense, clumping habit reads clean and architectural.

Distinctive Features

Thick, pinnate fronds form a bold, vase-shaped silhouette with dependable color and texture; more tolerant of variable indoor conditions than many ferns, it delivers steady, low-mess greenery.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light indoors or open shade outdoors; avoid direct midday sun.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained, high-organic mix that stays evenly moist and airy.
• Water: Keep evenly moist without waterlogging; let the top 0.5 inch dry slightly between waterings.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11 outdoors; grow as a houseplant in cooler regions.
• Humidity: Moderate to high; benefit from grouping, a tray, or a room humidifier.
• Mature Size: Typically 2 to 4 ft tall and 2 to 3 ft wide in containers.
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic, about 5.5 to 6.5.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Upright fronds create a clean, architectural accent in entries and living spaces.
• Bathroom or kitchen greenery that appreciates ambient humidity.
• Covered porch or shaded patio containers in frost free seasons.
• Understory massing in tropical themed beds in warm climates.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water when the top layer is just dry to the touch; reduce slightly in winter or low light.
• Pruning: Remove yellowed or tattered fronds at the base to refresh the clump.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly at half strength every 4 to 6 weeks in spring and summer.
• Mulching: Top dress with fine bark or leaf mold to conserve moisture and enrich the mix.
• Notes: Protect from drafts and direct sun; rinse fronds periodically to deter mites and scale.

Why Choose Australian Sword Fern?

• Bold Texture: Strong, upright fronds add structure where flowers struggle.
• More forgiving than many ferns in typical indoor conditions.
• Year round foliage with a tidy, clumping habit.
• Versatile in pots, interiorscapes, and shaded beds.

Count on Australian Sword Fern for reliable, sculptural greenery in bright, indirect light and consistently moist conditions.