Care of the indoor plant Nephrolepis falcata or Fishtail fern |
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The genus Nephrolepis, family Nephrolepidaceae, comprises 30 species of ferns native to tropical and subtropical regions. Some species are: Nephrolepis falcata, Nephrolepis exaltata, Nephrolepis biserrata, Nephrolepis obliterata, Nephrolepis cordifolia. Common names: Fishtail fern, Forked Giant Sword Fern, Weeping Sword Fern. This species is native to the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. They are fast-growing ferns with an elegant bearing that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in diameter. The fronds (leaves) reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in length and are formed by bifurcated lobes at the tip of an intense green color. Spores appear on the underside. Ferns do not produce flowers. Fishtail fern is used as indoor, greenhouse or terrace plants; in tropical climates it's used to form groups and as isolated specimens, better under trees. Nephrolepis falcata needs exposure to shade or dimmed light. It's a tropical plant that does not resist temperatures below 15 ºC (59 ºF). The soil should be well drained, light, and contain plenty of organic matter. The transplant is done in spring. Water with lime-free water so that the substrate never dries completely. It's important that there is a high humidity; spray the leaves periodically with lime-free water. Fertilize every 20 days with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants in spring and summer. Weeping Sword Fern does not need pruning. In case of low humidity or drought Forked Giant Sword Fern can be attacked by mealybugs. Nephrolepis falcata is propagated by division of the plant in spring; propagation by spores is very complicated. |
Images of the indoor plant Nephrolepis falcata or Fishtail fern |
 Nephrolepis falcata  Nephrolepis falcata  Nephrolepis falcata |