The Fishtail Sword Fern (Nephrolepis falcata) is an elegant tropical fern native to Mexico and Central America. Also known as the Mexican Sword Fern, its arching fronds add a dramatic, cascading effect in shady gardens and bright indoor spaces. This care guide provides detailed growing information to help you successfully cultivate this beautiful plant.
👀 Overview
With its gracefully arching fronds, the Fishtail Sword Fern makes a stunning accent plant in outdoor tropical gardens or shady patios. Indoors, it thrives as a houseplant in bright, humid areas. Caring for this fern requires warm temperatures, high humidity, and moist well-draining soil. When provided the preferred conditions, the Fishtail Sword Fern produces lush, vibrant new fronds throughout the growing season.
| 📖 Common name | Fishtail Sword Fern, Fishtail fern, Weeping Sword Fern |
| 🔬 Botanical name | Nephrolepis falcata |
| 🫴 Care Difficulty level | Moderate |
| ☠️ Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
| 💨 Air-purifying Qualities | Moderate |
| 🌱 Soil Type and pH | Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral |
| ☀️ Sun Exposure | Partial shade |
| 🍪 Edibility | Not edible |
| 🌴 Plant type | Fern |
| 🍃 Foliage Type | Evergreen |
| 🌿 Color of leaves | Bright to dark green |
| 🌸 Flower color | N/A |
| 💥 Bloom time | N/A |
| 🚀 Growth Speed | Moderate |
| 📏 Mature Size | Up to 2-3 feet |
| 🔄 Life Cycle | Perennial |
| 🌍 Hardiness zones | 10-12 |
| 🗺️ Native area | Southeast Asia |
💚 Fishtail Sword Fern Care
Fishtail Sword Fern thrives with bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist soil that drains well. Keep temperatures warm, fertilize monthly, and mist the fronds often for best results.
☀️ Light ☀️
Light is a critical factor in growing healthy Fishtail Sword Ferns. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct morning or late afternoon sun[1][2].
Some key points on light requirements:
- Place the plant in an area with bright, filtered light for best results. East or west-facing windows are ideal.
- 2-4 hours of early morning or late afternoon direct sun is tolerated if the light is filtered through a sheer curtain.
- Avoid direct midday sun which can scorch the fronds.
- Insufficient light will result in slower growth and paler fronds. The plant needs adequate light to maintain its vibrant green coloring.
- In lower light conditions, consider using a grow light to supplement natural lighting. LED grow lights work well for ferns. Position 12-18 inches above the plant for 10-12 hours daily.
- Outdoor partial shade locations like under a tree canopy or porch are great in warm climates. Provide afternoon shade.
- Rotate the plant periodically to ensure even light exposure to all sides.
Monitor the fern and adjust the lighting as needed. The fronds should be a lush, healthy green. Any yellowing or browning indicates too much sun. Pale fronds suggest insufficient light. With the right brightness, the Fishtail Sword Fern will thrive!
💧 Water
Providing the right amount of water is key to keeping a Fishtail Sword Fern healthy. This tropical plant prefers consistently moist soil but is prone to root rot if overwatered.
Some key points on watering:
- Water whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Check by inserting your finger into the potting mix.
- Thoroughly soak the soil until water drains from the bottom drainage holes. Never allow the plant to sit in water.
- Water with room temperature filtered or distilled water. Tap water may contain salts and chemicals harmful to the fern.
- In general, water 1-2 times per week in warmer months, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter.
- Mist the fronds daily or place on a pebble tray to boost humidity. Ferns thrive in 60-70% humidity.
- If potted, choose a pot with drainage holes and use a well-aerated potting mix, not soil.
- Outdoor plants need 1 inch of rain per week. Provide shade from hot afternoon sun.
- Leaching the soil annually will flush out any built up salts. Water until it flows from the drainage holes.
Avoid overwatering which causes root rot. Underwatering leads to dry, crispy fronds. With proper soil moisture, the Fishtail Sword Fern will produce lush, vibrant fronds. Adjust your watering routine based on the specific conditions in your home or garden.
🪴 Soil
Fishtail Sword Fern thrives in a loose, well-draining potting mix. The soil should retain some moisture but also allow excess water to drain away freely to prevent root rot[1].
Some key points on soil:
- Use a high-quality potting mix specifically for ferns and orchids. Do not use regular potting soil.
- Good mixes include peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, coconut coir, bark chips or sand. This provides drainage and aeration.
- Avoid dense soil that stays soggy. Add perlite, pumice or orchid bark to improve drainage if needed.
- Outdoor plants appreciate rich, organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure mixed into the native soil.
- The soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.5-6.5. Ferns dislike alkaline soil.
- Re-pot every 2 years with fresh potting mix to replenish nutrients.
- For potted plants, choose a container with drainage holes and use a potting mix, not garden soil which stays too wet.
Providing the right soil encourages healthy root growth and gives the Fishtail Fern the moisture and air it needs. For best results, use a quality commercial potting mix amended with extra perlite or orchid bark as needed to create an ideal growing medium.
🍼 Fertilizer
Fishtail Sword Ferns have modest fertilizer needs. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength during the growing season[1].
Key points on fertilizing this fern:
- From spring through fall, fertilize monthly with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
- Good options include balanced blends like 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 at half the recommended strength.
- Alternatively, use a houseplant fertilizer spike inserted into the soil every 2-3 months.
- Outdoor plants appreciate a light application of compost or slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring.
- Take care not to over-fertilize as this can burn the fronds. It’s better to under-fertilize than overdo it.
- In winter, reduce feeding to every 6-8 weeks and use one quarter strength fertilizer.
- Leach the soil with water every few months to prevent salt buildup.
- Indoor plants may not need fertilizer at all if potted in a quality potting mix.
Monitor the fern’s growth and foliage color. Supplement with organic compost or worm castings if needed. With modest feeding, the Fishtail Sword Fern will stay healthy and produce lush new fronds.
🌡️ Temperature
Fishtail Sword Ferns thrive in warm to hot temperatures during the growing season and appreciate cooler temps in winter.
- The ideal temperature range is 65-85°F (18-29°C) during spring, summer and fall.
- In winter, cooler temps of 55-65°F (13-18°C) are recommended.
- Avoid extreme cold below 50°F (10°C) which can damage the fronds.
- High heat above 90°F (32°C) can also scorch the foliage if humidity is low. Provide shade.
- Move outdoor plants to a sheltered location or indoors during cold snaps and winter dormancy.
- Indoor plants appreciate the same warm conditions. Keep away from hot or cold drafts.
Temperature fluctuations should be gradual, not sudden. Ensure proper humidity and air circulation. Monitor the plant and watch for any signs of stress from improper temperatures. With the preferred warm to hot conditions, the Fishtail Sword Fern will thrive beautifully!
💦 Humidity
Fishtail Sword Ferns thrive in humid conditions. As tropical plants, they appreciate 40-70% ambient humidity year-round[1].
Some tips to boost humidity around your fern:
- Use a humidifier or pebble tray filled with water near the plant.
- Mist the fronds daily with room temperature water.
- Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Keep the water level below the pot.
- Grow in a terrarium or wardian case to maintain high humidity.
- Group plants together to create a humid microclimate.
- In dry climates, run a humidifier in the room during winter when heaters tend to dry the air.
- Outdoor plants appreciate the natural humidity of shady, forested areas. Avoid hot, dry, exposed sites.
- For indoor plants, bathrooms and kitchens provide extra moisture in the air.
Monitor the plant for any signs of dryness. Crispy, browning frond tips indicate the air is too dry. Maintaining moderately high humidity encourages lush, vibrant growth in this moisture-loving fern.
📃 Types of Fishtail Sword Fern
🪴 Potting and Repotting Fishtail Sword Fern
Use a well-draining potting mix in a container with drainage holes when growing Fishtail Sword Fern. Repot every 2 years or as needed.
Potting
- Choose a pot that is 2-4 inches wider than the current root ball.
- Use containers with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
- Good potting media includes peat moss, perlite, bark chips, vermiculite, coconut coir.
- Soilless potting mixes formulated for orchids or ferns are ideal.
- After potting, water thoroughly to settle the roots before resuming a normal watering schedule.
Repotting
- Repot every 2 years in fresh potting mix to replenish nutrients.
- Root-bound plants should be repotted into a larger container.
- Carefully remove from the old pot and loosen any circled roots.
- Prune off any dead or damaged roots.
- Place into new potting mix, keeping the original soil line.
- Water well after repotting and allow the plant to recover in a shady spot for 1-2 weeks before moving back to its normal growing area.
Choosing the right pot and potting medium will allow good drainage and encourage healthy root growth in this moisture-loving fern.
✂️ Pruning Fishtail Sword Fern
Fishtail Sword Fern requires minimal pruning to maintain its health and appearance.
- Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased fronds as needed throughout the year. Make cuts at the base of the frond stem.
- Pruning is mainly for aesthetic purposes, to keep the plant looking tidy. It is not essential for the plant’s health.
- Outdoor ferns may benefit from removing old fronds in early spring to allow new growth to emerge.
- For indoor plants, trim off old fronds as they naturally die back or become unsightly.
- Use sterilized pruners or scissors to make clean cuts and prevent disease transmission.
- Do not remove more than 1/3 of the fronds at any one time to avoid stressing the plant.
- Pruning triggers new growth, so moderate cutting back in spring can make the fern bushier.
- Take care not to damage any emerging fiddleheads (furled new fronds).
With light grooming as needed, the Fishtail Sword Fern will continue growing lush, vibrant fronds. Avoid over-pruning, and only remove fronds that detract from the plant’s appearance.
🌱 How to Propagate Fishtail Sword Fern
Fishtail Sword Fern is easily propagated by division or from offsets. This allows you to multiply your plant for free!
Propagating by Division
- Divide established rootbound plants in early spring before new growth emerges.
- Remove the plant from its pot and carefully divide into smaller sections using a sterilized knife.
- Each division should have 3-5 fronds and a good portion of roots attached.
- Pot up each new plantlet in its own container using a quality potting mix.
- Water well and place in a warm spot with high humidity and bright indirect light.
- New plants may take 4-6 weeks to become established before resuming normal care.
Propagating from Offsets
- Look for new plantlets called offsets growing around the base of the mother plant.
- Carefully detach these offsets with roots attached using sterilized scissors or pruners.
- Pot into a small container filled with potting mix.
- Provide the same warm, humid conditions as divided plants to root.
- Once established, offsets can be repotted into a larger container.
Propagating Fishtail Sword Fern is an easy, cost-effective way to gain beautiful new plants for your home or garden. With a little care, the divisions or offsets will readily root and grow into mature, lush ferns.
🐛 Common Pests
Fishtail Sword Fern is prone to a few common indoor plant pests. Identifying and treating infestations quickly is key.
Mealybugs
- Appear as small white cottony masses on fronds and stems.
- Can spread quickly and cause yellowing foliage.
- Remove manually and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Scale Insects
- Form hard brown or white lumps attached to the plant.
- Suck nutrients causing spotting and decline.
- Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove. Apply neem oil after.
Spider Mites
- Tiny pests that form webs and cause stippling damage.
- Look for fine webbing and speckling on undersides of fronds.
- Spray off with water and treat with insecticidal soap weekly.
Fungus Gnats
- Harmless but annoying small black flies that breed in wet soil.
- Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Use yellow sticky traps.
Isolate and promptly treat any infested plants to prevent spreading. Maintaining proper growing conditions and monitoring closely prevents most pest issues.
🩺 Common Problems With Fishtail Sword Fern
Being aware of potential issues can help you quickly remedy any problems with your Fishtail Sword Fern.
Yellowing Fronds
- Causes include too much sun, underwatering, or fertilizer burn. Move to shade, adjust watering, and flush soil.
Brown Crispy Fronds
- Dry air is usually the culprit. Mist frequently, use a pebble tray, and run a humidifier.
Leaf Spots or Blight
- Can indicate a fungal issue. Improve air circulation. Remove affected fronds and treat with fungicide.
Root Rot
- Caused by overwatering or slow draining soil. Repot in fresh mix and allow soil to dry between waterings.
Leggy Growth
- Insufficient light leads to weak lanky growth. Provide brighter filtered light.
Failure to Thrive
- Can be due to improper lighting, temperatures, or humidity. Review cultural care needs.
Catching issues early allows you to diagnose the cause and take corrective action before lasting damage occurs. With good care, you can avoid most common problems.
🖼️ Display Ideas
The cascading fronds of Fishtail Sword Fern make it ideal for certain decorative placements. Consider the following display options:
- Use as a hanging basket plant. Let the fronds drape over the edges of the basket for a beautiful effect. Hang in a bright indoor area or sheltered outdoor space.
- Place in an elevated pot on a pedestal, plant stand, or shelf. Allow the foliage to gracefully arch over the sides.
- Incorporate into the landscape as an accent plant. Underplant with lower growing flowers or foliage.
- Group in clusters for a lush, tropical look in shady garden beds or patios.
- Use as a living screen or backdrop to help divide spaces or provide privacy.
- Display on a porch, patio, or balcony in bright shade. Let the fronds trail down for drama.
- Position on stair landings or ledges to allow the foliage to hang freely.
- Place near water features like ponds and fountains. The trailing fronds complement the water.
With its cascading habit, the Fishtail Sword Fern makes a beautiful addition to gardens and indoor spaces when thoughtfully displayed. Take advantage of its flowing form in your decor.
👍 Pro Tips for Healthy Growth
Follow these professional tips and tricks to keep your Fishtail Sword Fern thriving:
- Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Ferns are prone to root rot if overwatered.
- Mist the fronds daily or place on a pebble tray to provide the humidity these tropical plants need.
- Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Prune off any dead or damaged fronds close to the base to maintain an attractive appearance.
- Propagate new plants easily by dividing overgrown specimens or potting up offsets.
- Rotate the plant periodically to ensure all sides receive sufficient light exposure.
- Keep potted plants slightly rootbound, only repotting every 2-3 years. They dislike frequent repotting.
- Group plants together to create a tropical-looking display and boost humidity around the ferns.
- Grow in a bright bathroom or kitchen where the extra moisture in the air benefits this moisture-loving plant.
By following these handy pro tips, you can expect your Fishtail Sword Fern to produce lush, vibrant fronds year after year. A little extra care goes a long way!
❓ FAQ
Q: What are the best conditions for growing Fishtail Sword Fern?
A: Bright, indirect light, daytime temps of 65-85°F, 40-70% humidity, and moist, well-draining soil provide ideal conditions.
Q: How often should I water and fertilize?
A: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, soaking thoroughly until water drains from holes. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with diluted liquid fertilizer.
Q: What potting mix is best?
A: Use a loose, airy mix like peat moss, perlite, vermiculite and orchid bark. Commercial orchid or fern mixes work well.
Q: Should I mist my Fishtail Sword Fern?
A: Yes, misting the fronds daily helps maintain the humidity these tropical plants prefer.
Q: What causes brown frond tips?
A: Dry air is the most common cause of crispy frond tips. Increase humidity through misting and pebble trays.
Q: How do I propagate new plants?
A: Easily propagate by dividing congested plants or potting up offsets that form at the base.
Q: How often should I repot?
A: Repot every 2-3 years in fresh potting mix. Fishtail Sword Ferns dislike frequent repotting.
Q: Can this plant be grown outdoors?
A: Yes, it thrives outdoors in warm climates. Provide bright shade and keep soil consistently moist.
📝 Final Thoughts
With its graceful, cascading fronds, Fishtail Sword Fern makes a beautiful addition to shady gardens and bright indoor spaces. While not the easiest houseplant, this tropical fern is well worth the modest care it requires to thrive.
By providing the preferred growing conditions outlined in this guide, you can expect your Fishtail Sword Fern to produce lush, vibrant new fronds year after year. Place it in a spot with bright, filtered light and consistent humidity. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry and fertilize monthly during spring and summer.
Repot every 2-3 years in a quality potting mix. Propagate new plants from divisions or offsets. Monitor for pests and treat any issues promptly. With the proper care, this elegant tropical fern will enhance your home or garden with its flowing, dramatic form.
Follow the recommendations and you will be rewarded with a healthy, thriving plant with beautiful arching fronds cascading over its container.
📚 Further Reading
📗 Learn More about Fishtail Sword Fern
📚 References
📘 Nephrolepis acutifolia – National Parks Board, Singapore.
📘 Nephrolepis Classification – USDA Plants Database.
📘 Nephrolepis acutifolia (Desv.) C. Presl – Malaysia Biodiversity Information System.
