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. They are used as indoor, greenhouse or terrace plants; in tropical climates they are used to form groups and as isolated specimens, better under trees. Nephrolepis falcata needs exposure to shade or dimmed light. They are tropical plants that do 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. They do not need pruning. In case of low humidity or drought they can be attacked by mealybugs. They are 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 |