Fern Nephrolepis biserrata in pot

Credit: Emily Farmplantsandseeds

Giant fern frond Nephrolepis biserata

Credit: Forest & Kim Starr

Sores of Nephrolepis biserrata

Credit: Mokkie

Close-up of a giant fern frond

Credit: Trap Hers

Nephrolepis biserrata, a giant indoor fern

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 maintenance 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.

Spray

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 pierced pot. Nephrolepis biserrata are fast-growing. Don't hesitate to choose a model two or three sizes larger than the previous one.

Line the bottom with clay balls for drainage. If you prefer to use gravel or pebbles, make sure they are not chalky.

Then pour in a layer of potting soil. You'll find fern substrate on the market that's just right. But you can also make your own growing medium by mixing heather soil, sand and potting soil for green plants.

Plant your Nephrolepis biserrata in the center, taking care not to damage the roots. Add potting soil and compact. Water to encourage rooting and eliminate air bubbles.

To increase humidity, place a bed of moist clay balls at the bottom of the dish 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.

Cutting

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

Family	Nephrolepidaceae - Nephrolepidaceae
Type	Nephrolepis - Nephrolepis
Species	Nephrolepis biserrata - Nephrolepis biserrata
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Categories	Interior Bulb Rhizome Herbaceous Hanging plants
Tags	Fritillary Soiffarde
Origins	South Africa South Asia Southeast Asia North America Central America
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color