
The Asian Sword Fern (Nephrolepis brownii) is an attractive tropical fern native to eastern and southeastern Asia. It is also known as Fishbone Fern or Nephrolepis pectinata. This graceful plant can adapt well as an indoor houseplant and is popular for its lush, arching fronds.
π Overview
Asian Sword Fern is an evergreen perennial fern that grows upright at first and then arches as it matures. The long, narrow fronds emerge with a light green color and darken as they age. Under the right conditions, this plant can reach 2-3 feet tall and wide but is more often seen at 1-2 feet indoors. It spreads slowly via underground rhizomes.
π Common name | Asian Sword Fern, none |
π¬ Botanical name | Nephrolepis brownii |
π«΄ Care Difficulty level | Moderate |
β οΈ Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
π¨ Air-purifying Qualities | Moderate |
π± Soil Type and pH | Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral |
βοΈ Sun Exposure | Partial shade to full sun |
πͺ Edibility | Not edible |
π΄ Plant type | Fern |
π Foliage Type | Evergreen |
πΏ Color of leaves | Bright green |
πΈ Flower color | N/A |
π₯ Bloom time | N/A |
π Growth Speed | Moderate |
π Mature Size | Up to 2-3 feet |
π Life Cycle | Perennial |
π Hardiness zones | 10-12 |
πΊοΈ Native area | Asia |
π Asian Sword Fern Care
Caring for Asian Sword Fern requires bright, filtered light, consistent moisture, warm temperatures, and high humidity. When its needs are met, this fern will reward you with vibrant foliage.
βοΈ Light βοΈ
Asian Sword Fern thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch the fronds, so it is important to provide bright light without direct sun exposure.
- Light Levels – Asian Sword Fern grows best in moderate to bright indirect light. Provide 400-800 foot candles of light. Measure light levels with a light meter.
- East or West Facing Windows – An east or west facing window provides ideal bright, indirect light. Place the fern 4-6 feet back from the window to avoid direct sun exposure.
- South Facing Windows – A south facing window can work if filtered through a sheer curtain. Make sure no direct sun hits the plant.
- North Facing Windows – North facing windows provide lower light levels. Supplement with artificial lighting if needed.
- Artificial Lighting – If natural light is inadequate, provide supplemental fluorescent or LED grow lights. Place lights 6-12 inches above the fern for 12-16 hours daily.
- Rotate – Rotate the plant periodically to ensure even growth on all sides.
- Light Acclimatization – Gradually increase light levels to acclimate the plant and avoid leaf scorch.
- Warning Signs – Signs of too much light include yellowing or browning fronds. Signs of too little light include small, sparse fronds and a leggy appearance.
Ideal Light Levels
Location | Light Level |
---|---|
East or West Window | 400-800 FC |
South Window | 500-800 FC |
North Window | Less than 400 FC |
Artificial Light | 500-800 FC |
Provide Asian Sword Fern with bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth and lush, healthy fronds. Monitor light levels and foliage closely and make adjustments as needed. With the right light conditions, this fern will thrive indoors.
π§ Water
Asian Sword Fern thrives when given consistent moisture. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Watering Frequency – Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. This is usually every 7-10 days. Increase frequency in hotter weather.
- Watering Method – Water thoroughly until water drains from the drainage holes. Avoid getting water on the fronds.
- Water Needs – Asian Sword Fern has moderate water needs. Water regularly but do not overwater.
- Humidity – Mist the fronds daily or place on a pebble tray to increase humidity.
- Soil – Well-draining potting mix. Do not allow soil to become waterlogged.
- Drooping Fronds – Drooping fronds indicate the plant needs water. Fronds will perk up after watering.
- Excess Water – Signs of overwatering include yellow fronds, root rot, and fungus gnats. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
- Underwatering – An underwatered plant will have dry, brown fronds. Increase water frequency.
- Water Quality – Filtered or distilled water is best. Avoid hard tap water.
Watering Tips
- Water early in the day to allow fronds to dry out.
- In winter, reduce watering frequency and monitor soil moisture.
- Flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
- Empty drainage tray after watering to prevent root rot.
Provide consistent moisture without overwatering for a lush, healthy Asian Sword Fern. Adjust your watering routine based on factors like temperature, light levels, and humidity. Proper watering is key to growing this fern successfully!
πͺ΄ Soil
Asian Sword Fern grows best in loose, well-draining soil that retains some moisture.
- Soil Mix – Use a peat-based potting mix or create your own mix of:
- 1 part peat moss or coconut coir
- 1 part perlite or vermiculite
- 1 part compost or worm castings
- Drainage – Excellent drainage is crucial. Choose a pot with drainage holes or amend garden beds with organic matter to improve drainage.
- Acidic Soil – Asian Sword Fern thrives in acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Test soil pH regularly.
- Aeration – Incorporate perlite or orchid bark to improve soil aeration. Dense, compacted soil will cause root rot.
- Soil Mixtures to Avoid
- Heavy potting soil
- Soilless mixes like straight peat or coconut coir
- Alkaline soils above pH 7
- Re-potting – Re-pot every 2-3 years in fresh potting mix. Root-bound plants struggle.
- Fertilizer – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks in the growing season.
Providing the right soil is vital to growing lush, healthy Asian Sword Ferns. Well-draining, acidic mix will maintain moisture while avoiding root rot. Monitor and amend soil as needed.
πΌ Fertilizer
Fertilize Asian Sword Fern regularly during the growing season for healthy growth.
- Type of Fertilizer – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Options include:
- All-purpose houseplant fertilizer
- Balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20)
- Fish emulsion
- Compost tea
- Frequency – Fertilize every 2-4 weeks from spring through fall. Do not fertilize in winter.
- Application – Dilute fertilizer to half strength recommended on label. Apply directly to soil or foliar feed.
- Over-fertilization – Signs include leaf tip burn, excessive foliage growth, and few roots. Flush soil to remove excess salts.
- Under-fertilization – Slow growth, small leaves, and off-color foliage indicate need for fertilizer.
- Soilless Mixes – Use fertilizer more frequently when potted in a soilless potting mix.
- Re-potting – Refresh soil and apply new controlled release fertilizer when re-potting.
Providing supplemental fertilizer ensures Asian Sword Fern receives adequate nutrition for vigorous growth. Monitor plant health and adjust fertilizer type and frequency as needed.
π‘οΈ Temperature
Asian Sword Fern thrives in warm to hot temperatures between 65-85Β°F (18-29Β°C).
- Ideal Day Temperatures – 75-85Β°F (24-29Β°C)
- Ideal Night Temperatures – 65-75Β°F (18-24Β°C)
- Minimum Temperature – 60Β°F (15Β°C)
- Maximum Temperature – 90Β°F (32Β°C) for short periods
- Heat Tolerance – Asian Sword Fern can tolerate hot temperatures but grows best with daytime highs less than 85Β°F (29Β°C).
- Cool Tolerance – Tolerates cooler temps above 60Β°F (15Β°C), but grows slowly. Not frost hardy.
- Fluctuations β Avoid drastic temperature drops and fluctuations greater than 10Β°F (5Β°C).
- Winter Care – Move indoor plants to the coolest spot in winter, no lower than 60Β°F (15Β°C). Reduce watering frequency.
- Air Circulation – Provide good air circulation with a fan to prevent cold damage in winter.
Signs of Temperature Stress
- Hot temps – Leaf scorch, brown tips
- Cold temps – Shriveled, dried fronds
Monitor temperatures and watch for signs of stress. Maintain ideal warm conditions for healthy, vigorous growth. Asian Sword Fern thrives as a houseplant in average home temperatures between 65-80Β°F (18-27Β°C).
π¦ Humidity
Asian Sword Fern thrives in humid conditions. Provide 40-60% relative humidity or higher.
- Ideal Humidity Levels – Maintain 40-60% relative humidity or higher. Measure with a hygrometer.
- Increasing Humidity
- Mist leaves daily or place on a pebble tray
- Use a humidifier
- Group plants together
- Grow in a terrarium or greenhouse
- Humidity Trays – Place pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Keep water below pot base.
- Misting – Misting provides a temporary humidity boost. Mist leaves in the morning to allow drying.
- Bathrooms – Bathrooms tend to have higher humidity. An ideal spot when humidity is insufficient elsewhere.
- Leaf Browning – Lower humidity causes leaf tip and margin browning. Increase humidity to prevent this.
- Air Circulation – Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases in humid conditions.
Asian Sword Fern naturally grows in the humid tropics. Recreate tropical humidity levels for lush growth indoors. Monitor with a hygrometer and make adjustments as needed. Proper humidity is key to growing this fern successfully!
π Types of Asian Sword Fern
πͺ΄ Potting and Repotting Asian Sword Fern
Use well-draining pots and repot every 2-3 years for healthy growth.
- Potting
- Choose a pot with drainage holes
- Use a peat-based potting mix
- Pot in a container 1-2 inches wider than the root ball
- After repotting, do not fertilize for 3-4 weeks to allow roots to establish
- Repotting
- Repot every 2-3 years in spring
- Remove from pot and loosen root ball
- Prune any dead roots
- Replant in a container 1-2 inches larger
- Replace most of the potting mix with fresh mix
- Pot Sizes
- 4-6 inch pot – young plants
- 6-8 inch pot – mature plants
- Larger pots can be used but require more frequent watering
- Pot Materials
- Plastic, glazed ceramic, or terra cotta
- Avoid non-glazed pots which absorb moisture
- Rootbound Plants
- Signs include stunted growth and drying soil
- Severely rootbound plants may need roots trimmed prior to repotting
Repotting in fresh soil allows roots to spread and provides nutrients. Time repotting to maintain a healthy, vibrant Asian Sword Fern.
βοΈ Pruning Asian Sword Fern
Pruning is not required but can be done to maintain an attractive shape and remove dead fronds.
- Removing Dead Fronds – Cut off any yellow, brown, or damaged fronds close to the base. Use clean, sharp scissors or shears.
- Shaping – Prune to maintain a compact, rounded shape if desired. Remove upright fronds or trim longer fronds.
- Overgrown Plants – Severely overgrown plants can be cut back to 6 inches above the soil to rejuvenate.
- Frequency – Prune as needed through the growing season, usually every 2-3 months. Remove spent fronds before new growth emerges.
- Avoiding Over-Pruning – Never remove more than 1/3 of the fronds at one time to prevent stressing the plant.
- Timing – Prune in spring or summer during active growth. Avoid heavy pruning in fall.
- Damaged Fronds – Immediately remove any fronds that become damaged or diseased to prevent spreading.
- Tools – Sterilize pruning tools with isopropyl alcohol before each use to prevent disease transmission.
- Propagation – Healthy fronds removed during pruning can be used for propagation.
Regular pruning improves appearance and airflow. Monitor Asian Sword Fern and remove spent fronds as needed to encourage new growth.
π± How to Propagate Asian Sword Fern
Asian Sword Fern is easily propagated by dividing rhizomes or from frond cuttings.
Propagating by Division
Dividing rhizomes is the most reliable propagation method.
- Divide in early spring before active growth resumes
- Remove fern from pot and gently loosen root ball
- Using a sterilized knife, cut through rhizomes and roots to divide into smaller sections
- Each division should have 3-5 fronds and healthy roots attached
- Pot divisions in small pots using well-draining potting mix
- Water well and maintain high humidity
- New growth will emerge in 3-6 weeks
- Once established, transplant to a 6 inch pot
Propagating by Frond Cuttings
Frond cuttings can also be used for propagation.
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy fronds
- Remove lower leaves leaving the base intact
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth
- Insert cut end into moist propagation mix or sphagnum moss
- Cover container with plastic to maintain humidity
- Keep mix moist but not soggy
- New plants will root in 3-6 weeks
- Transplant to potting mix once rooted
Propagating from rhizome divisions or frond cuttings allows you to easily produce new Asian Sword Fern plants. Take divisions and cuttings in spring and provide high humidity for best results.
π Common Pests
Asian Sword Fern can be affected by a few insect pests. Identify the problem and treat quickly before major damage occurs.
Mealybugs
- Appearance – White cottony masses on stems and undersides of leaves
- Treatment
- Isolate plant
- Remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol
- Insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays
Scale Insects
- Appearance – Small brown or white bumps attached to leaves
- Treatment
- Prune severely infested fronds
- Use horticultural oil, insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays
Spider Mites
- Appearance – Webbing and stippling damage on fronds
- Treatment
- Rinse plant to remove webs and mites
- Insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays
- Release predatory mites
Fungus Gnats
- Appearance – Small flying insects, larvae in soil
- Treatment
- Allow soil to dry out between waterings
- Use yellow sticky traps
- Mosquito dunks to kill larvae
Check plants regularly for early signs of pests. Isolate and treat infested plants promptly to prevent spreading. For severe infestations, dispose of plant and sterilize pot to eliminate pests.
π©Ί Common Problems With Asian Sword Fern
Asian Sword Fern can suffer from cultural problems, diseases, and pests. Identify the issue and take prompt action to restore plant health.
Cultural Problems
- Dry fronds – Increase watering frequency, use pebble tray to increase humidity.
- Leaf tip burn – Caused by dry air or fertilizer buildup. Improve air circulation, reduce fertilizer.
- Leggy growth – Insufficient light. Provide brighter filtered light.
- Leaf drop – Due to overwatering, underwatering, or temperature stress. Adjust water and temps.
Diseases
- Bacterial leaf spot – Small black spots on fronds. Improve air circulation. Remove affected leaves.
- Root rot – Caused by overwatering. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Rust – Reddish brown powdery coating on leaves. Increase air circulation. Treat with fungicide.
Pests
- Mealybugs – Cottony masses on leaves and stems. Use alcohol swabs or insecticidal soap.
- Scale – Hard bumps on leaves and stems. Prune affected fronds. Use horticultural oils.
- Spider mites – Webbing and stippling damage. Rinse off plants and apply insecticidal soap.
Monitor plants closely to identify problems early. Isolate affected plants to prevent spreading. Address cultural issues and treat pests and diseases as needed. Discard severely damaged plants.
πΌοΈ Display Ideas
With its graceful, arching fronds, Asian Sword Fern makes an attractive display in any indoor space.
- Showcase as a stand-alone specimen in a pot to highlight the fern’s form. Choose a simple pot that doesn’t distract from the foliage.
- Create a fern floor plant by allowing multiple plants to fill in at the base of a display. This creates a lush green “floor” and backdrop for other plants.
- Use as a tabletop centerpiece by placing a potted Asian Sword Fern in the middle of a dining table or coffee table. Surround with complementary decor.
- Plant in a hanging basket and display where the long fronds can trail down. Use a lined basket to help retain moisture.
- Incorporate into a mixed plant terrarium or vivarium to create a lush indoor garden. Asian Sword Fern pairs well with orchids, pilea, and peperomia.
- Display on a plant stand or pedestal to elevate the fern. Choose a height that allows the arching fronds to drape gracefully.
- Group together for a bold plant grouping on a sideboard, hearth, or mantle. Combine with other ferns or foliage plants.
With proper care, Asian Sword Fern lends a tropical feel wherever displayed. Use its graceful form to create simple or complex plant arrangements.
π Pro Tips for Healthy Growth
Here are some pro tips for healthy growth of Asian Sword Fern (Nephrolepis brownii):
- Provide bright, indirect light. Direct sun will scorch the fronds. East or west facing windows are ideal. Rotate the plant to encourage even growth.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid soggy soil. Use room temperature water and allow soil to drain fully after watering.
- Mist the fronds daily to boost humidity. Use a pebble tray or humidifier to maintain 40-60% humidity.
- Use well-draining, acidic potting mix. Repot every 2-3 years in spring to refresh the soil.
- Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Prune off any dead, damaged, or yellow fronds. Never remove more than 1/3 of fronds at once.
- Propagate by dividing rhizomes or taking frond cuttings in spring or summer.
- Keep away from cold drafts. Ideal temps are 65-85Β°F. Reduce watering in winter.
- Scout for pests like mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Isolate and treat infested plants promptly.
- Allow soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Improve air circulation.
- Acclimate plants slowly to any changes in light or temperatures to avoid shock.
With the proper growing conditions, Asian Sword Fern will reward you with lush, graceful fronds. Pay close attention to its needs and intervene early at signs of stress.
β FAQ
π Final Thoughts
With its graceful, arching fronds, Asian Sword Fern makes a fantastic houseplant. This attractive tropical fern can thrive indoors with proper care and conditions.
To summarize, Asian Sword Fern requires:
- Bright, indirect light
- Consistent moisture
- Humid conditions
- Warm temperatures between 65-85Β°F
- Well-draining, acidic soil
- Regular fertilization
- Occasional pruning and repotting
Monitor your plant closely and make adjustments to your care routine based on its needs. Intervene at the first sign of pests or cultural problems.
With the right growing environment, Asian Sword Fern is sure to be a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to your indoor plant collection. Its lush, vibrant fronds will add a tropical feel to any space.
We hope you’ve found this guide helpful and informative! Remember to refer back to the specific care sections for more details on meeting your fern’s needs. Happy growing!
π Further Reading
π Read more about Asian Sword Fern
π References
π Species details for Nephrolepis brownii (Asian Swordfern) – Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government.
π Nephrolepis brownii on MedGen – National Center for Biotechnology Information.
π Nephrolepis brownii (Asian swordfern) on ResearchGate – ResearchGate.
π Nephrolepis brownii on Florida Plant Atlas – Atlas of Florida Plants.