Nephrolepis biserrata, a giant indoor fern
Nephrolepis biserrata
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Nephrolepidaceae
- Genus
- Nephrolepis
- Species
- Nephrolepis biserrata
In the four corners of the world, in the hot, humid zones of Africa, Asia or America, grows an XXL fern: Nephrolepis biserrata. With its giant, indented fronds, this houseplant brings life to large spaces that are a little too empty.
How to recognize Nephrolepis biserrata?
Nephrolepis biserrata is an epiphytic or terrestrial fern. An upright perennial, it grows to between 60 and 120 centimetres in height.
It grows from a brown rhizome covered with scales. Yellow-brown petioles, 40 centimeters long, support the foliage.
The lanceolate fronds can reach two meters in length in the wild. But they rarely exceed one meter indoors. Soft green, they are covered with hairs on the underside. Leaflets are arranged on either side of the rachis. They are up to two centimetres wide and five to fifteen centimetres long.
Nephrolepis biserrata doesn't need flowers or seeds to reproduce. It makes do with round sori, aligned in a row on the underside of the fronds.
Like boston Fern or fishtail Fern, Nephrolepis biserrata is non-toxic to humans and animals. You can add it to your decor even if you share your living room with a dog, cat or small children.
Our care tips
Nephrolepis biserrata are easy-care plants. As long as you protect them from the sun and limestone. To keep your fern looking good for years, place it behind a north-facing window and water it with rainwater.
Watering
Your Nephrolepis biserrata needs a lot of water. But you can leave the potting soil to dry on the surface between waterings.
The plant does not tolerate limescale. It's best to water with rainwater at room temperature. If you don't have any, you can use spring water or filtered water.
Don't forget to empty the water that stagnates at the bottom of the planter or saucer. It could rot the roots and kill your Nephrolepis biserrata.
Misting
Nephrolepis biserrata love humidity. Spray their foliage to increase humidity and combat pest invasion.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Nephrolepis biserrata to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Get a pot with drainage holes. Nephrolepis biserrata grow quickly. Feel free to choose a pot two or three sizes larger than the previous one.
Line the bottom with clay pellets for drainage. If you prefer to use gravel or pebbles, make sure they aren't calcareous.
Next, add a layer of potting substrate. You can find fern substrate at garden centers, which works perfectly. But you can also make your own growing medium by mixing heather soil, sand, and potting substrate for houseplants.
Plant your Nephrolepis biserrata in the center, being careful not to damage the roots. Add potting soil and pat it down. Water to encourage root growth and remove air pockets.
To increase humidity, place a layer of moist clay pellets at the bottom of the saucer or planter.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Encourage the growth of your Nephrolepis biserrata with a liquid fertilizer for green plants.
Respect the quantity indicated by the manufacturer. Overdosing can damage your fern's fragile foliage and roots.
Prune
Shake your fern to remove dead pinnae.
Then remove the dry fronds with pruning shears or a pair of clean, sharp scissors.
Also remove any hairy rhizomes emerging from the surface.
Taking cuttings
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Pour a bed of clay balls into a pierced pot. Then add potting soil for green plants, mixed with sand (two-thirds potting soil to one-third sand).
Plant your cutting in the center. Water generously, until the water runs off through the drainage holes.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Categories
- IndoorBulbRhizomeHerbaceousHanging plants
- Tags
- Cold-sensitiveThirsty
- Origins
- South AfricaSouth AsiaSoutheast AsiaNorth AmericaCentral America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Leaf color
- Light green
Discover plants from the same family
Boston fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
Fishtail fern
Nephrolepis falcata
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
