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Tropical Sword Fern

Nephrolepis Exaltata

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Overview

The Nephrolepis exaltata, commonly known as the Tropical Sword Fern, is an evergreen perennial fern reaching 3-4 feet in height/width. Its long, arching fronds create dense tufts, ideal for providing lush, tropical texture in shaded areas. Hardy in zones 10-12, this fern thrives in moist, well-drained soil with partial to full shade, and is an excellent choice for ground cover or container planting. Regular watering enhances its vibrant green foliage.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater MediumZones 10–11Type FernClimate Subtropical

Culture

Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
Medium
USDA zones
10–11

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Fern
Family
Polypodiaceae
Climate
Subtropical

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Photos (115)

Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — is evenly spaced along the rachis (the central stem of the frond)
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — With a hardiness range of USDA zones 9 to 11; the Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), image 64
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — It's not drought-tolerant and should thus be strategically placed in areas where it can be watered, image 63
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — is an evergreen perennial that enjoys widespread popularity in landscape design
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — or as a groundcover in shaded gardens; and is an excellent choice for ground cover or container planting
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — is an evergreen perennial fern reaching 3-4 feet in height/width; particularly for its lush and, image 48
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — Regular watering enhances its vibrant green foliage; fern for full or half or shade, image 76
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — or as a groundcover in shaded gardens; and is an excellent choice for ground cover or container, image 67
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — consider its requirements for filtered light and regular watering; is evenly spaced along the rachis, image 65
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — This fern is native to tropical regions but has adapted to a variety of climates, image 35
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — is an evergreen perennial fern reaching 3-4 feet in height/width; particularly for its lush and arching fronds
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — particularly for its lush and arching fronds that can add a touch of elegance to any garden setting, image 80
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — is evenly spaced along the rachis (the central stem of the frond); is an evergreen perennial that enjoys
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — The Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata); regular watering enhances its vibrant green foliage, image 77
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — commonly known as the Tropical Sword Fern; this fern thrives in moist
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — commonly known as the Tropical Sword Fern
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — creating a serene and tropical atmosphere within any garden design; allowing for a full-bodied, image 91
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — Regular watering enhances its vibrant green foliage
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — Its adaptability makes it suitable for container plantings; creating a serene and tropical atmosphere within any
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — is an evergreen perennial fern reaching 3-4 feet in height/width
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — and is an excellent choice for ground cover or container planting; further adding to its symmetrical
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — allowing for a full-bodied appearance; consider its requirements for filtered light and regular, image 82
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — is an evergreen perennial that enjoys widespread popularity in landscape design; or as a groundcover, image 79
Tropical Sword Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) — This fern is native to tropical regions but has adapted to a variety of climates, image 58
Photographs by 9 contributors

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