Image - Wikimedia / Mokkie
El nephrolepis high It is a fern loved indoors, as well as in shade gardens. Although perhaps by that name you do not know well what plant we are talking about, you should know that it is known as a sword fern. It is often kept in pots hung from the ceiling, as its leaves, which are actually fronds, hang from the plant.
Its care is relatively simple, since grows naturally in protected areas of the star king, and is able to withstand the cold somewhat. For this reason, it adapts very well to living inside houses, in rooms where there is not much light. Now, it also looks great in a garden or patio.
Origin and characteristics of the sword fern
Image - Flickr / themozhi's pixel displays
El nephrolepis high It is a fern that lives in the tropical regions of the world, and it is also one of those that, without having a stem that acts as a trunk, gets to measure more: its leaves can reach up to 1 meter long. These are known as fronds, and they are perennial; that is, they remain green in the plant for a long time. But in the end, as new ones emerge, the lower ones die. This does not have to worry us, since it is a natural process of the plant.
It has no flowers, it is a plant gymnosperm. Although they have not been necessary to be one of the most popular indoors and also in gardens. It grows fast and, as we will explain below, not difficult to maintain.
What are the care of the nephrolepis high?
If you dare to have your own copy, the first thing you should know is that due to its origin can only be grown outside year-round in mild climates, where there are no or weak frosts. Therefore, if during the winter the temperatures drop below zero degrees, it will be advisable to bring it home, at least until the weather is good again. This way, you can be healthy and undamaged.
And with that said, let's see in detail how the sword fern is cared for:
Location
It is a plant that it will be shaded if it is going to be outside. On the contrary, if it is going to be at home, it is recommended that it be placed in a room where a lot of light enters and away from drafts in order to ensure that it grows well; Now, you should also know that it is one of the least light-demanding indoor plants.
Irrigation and humidity
El nephrolepis high It is a plant that must be watered regularly. In summer, which is when it is hottest, the soil dries quickly so it will be watered around 3 times a week. But in autumn and especially winter, as it usually rains and also the temperatures are lower, you have to space out the waterings.
On the other hand, if we talk about humidity, it is important to say that it is a fern that lives in humid climates, with high humidity. This is easy to check: just check the weather in the town or city where we grow the plant on a meteorology website (in Spain we have the AEMET, or State Meteorology Agency). If it is low, less than 50%, it is advisable to spray it with lime-free water or rain every day.
Soil or substrate
Image - Wikimedia / Dick Culbert
- Garden: this plant grows in soils rich in organic matter and with good drainage.
- Flower pot: If you are going to have it in a pot it is important that you put a universal growing substrate, but not just any one, but one that has perlite and that is of quality, such as this.
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The sword fern appreciates a contribution of fertilizer in spring and summer, because it is when it is growing. But what compost to use? As natural products, any of these will do very well: guano, compost, mulch, worm castings, cow manure, eggshells. If you need more suggestions, click on this link and you will be directed to an article that we write talking precisely about organic fertilizers.
Fertilizers will also help. They are known as chemical fertilizers, and their effectiveness is usually faster. We can fertilize our fern with: universal fertilizer (for sale here) or compost for green plants (for sale here). Of course, you have to follow the instructions on the container.
Transplant
It is a fast growing plant, so we have to change the pot every 2 years approximately. This will be done in spring, as soon as the minimum temperature is at least 18ºC. It is important that it is not changed in winter, as the cold could not only slow down its growth, but it could also suffer damage.
If you plan to plant it in the ground, you also have to wait for spring to settle in. Drill a hole and fill it with rich, well-draining soil.
Rusticity
The sword fern can withstand weak frosts as long as they are punctual of up to -2 ° C.
Where to buy?
Get your sword fern from here:
What dou you think about him nephrolepis high?