Genus · Nephrolepidaceae
Nephrolepis
5 species tracked in Horta’s catalog, and the named cultivars growers keep. Walk down to a species for its full care record, or into a cultivar for its traits and provenance.
Species in this genus
The ones growers meet most — each links to its own page.
Nephrolepis exaltata
Sword Fern
A soft, arching epiphytic fern that wants steady moisture and humid air. Keep the soil evenly damp — never bone dry — and give it a humid spot; dry air browns the fronds.
Nephrolepis cordifolia
Tuber Ladder Fern
Nephrolepis cordifolia is a tufted fern from tropical and subtropical Asia and the Pacific that grows on rocks and tree bark rather than in deep soil, so its roots want a loose, fast-draining mix and steady airflow. As a lithophyte and epiphyte it dislikes sitting wet but also resents going bone dry; water when the top inch of mix has just begun to dry, easing toward the longer interval in cooler or lower-light conditions. Give it bright indirect light out of harsh direct sun, and steady humidity, as it comes from consistently moist, humid habitats.
Nephrolepis biserrata
Giant Sword Fern
A vigorous pantropical fern (the giant sword fern) found across humid lowland forests worldwide, growing terrestrially or as an epiphyte. It wants warmth, steady moisture, and bright indirect light rather than direct sun, which scorches its fronds. Water when the top inch of mix is just beginning to dry; the fast-draining habit of an epiphyte means it dislikes sitting wet, but its fine roots should not be allowed to dry out fully.
Nephrolepis brownii
Asian Swordfern
A vigorous sword fern from the humid tropics of South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific, growing as an epiphyte that wants airflow, fast-draining mix, and steady moisture without sitting wet. Keep it in bright indirect light and elevated humidity; water when the top inch of mix begins to dry, and never let the roots stand in water, as an epiphyte's fine roots rot quickly in stagnant conditions.
Nephrolepis falcata
Fishtail Swordfern
An epiphytic fern from the Philippines, naturally rooting in tree crooks and leaf litter where roots drain fast and never sit wet. It wants an airy, loose mix, steady humidity, and bright indirect light out of direct sun. Water when the top inch of mix has dried, then water thoroughly and let it drain freely.
About the genus
A genus-level overview — shared traits, history, the botany that ties these plants together — is on its way. For now, the species and cultivars above and below carry the genus.
Kept true by its growers
Nephrolepis keeps evolving — species move, cultivars appear, IDs get corrected. If you can place an unplaced plant or add a species we’re missing, the whole genus gets truer.
Overview derived from 5 tracked species · the contribute flow arrives with the next slice.