Name: Fishtail Sword Fern, Nephrolepis Falcata Plant
Brand: Jiffy Plants
SKU: 7550
Availability: InStock

Selling size: Well-rooted plant | 2.5″ Pot Included

The Fishtail Sword Fern (Nephrolepis falcata, often ‘Furcans’) is a popular, easy-to-care-for tropical fern known for its forked, “fishtail” frond tips.

Bright, Indirect Light or Partial Shade: This fern prefers bright, indirect sunlight or light shade.
Avoid Direct Sun: Direct, strong sunlight can easily scorch the delicate fronds, leading to brown tips or patches.
Good Indoor Location: An east-facing window or a few feet away from a south- or west-facing window is usually ideal.

Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy or waterlogged. They do not like to dry out completely.
Watering Frequency: Water thoroughly when the top layer of soil (about 1-2 inches) starts to feel dry.
Drainage is Key: Ensure the pot has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

High Humidity is Essential: As a tropical fern, it thrives in high humidity. Lack of humidity is a common cause of brown leaf tips.
Increase Humidity:
- Mist the plant regularly (daily is often recommended).
- Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot is sitting on the pebbles, not in the water).
- Use a room humidifier, especially during dry winter months.
- They do well in naturally humid rooms like bathrooms or kitchens.

Warmth: It prefers consistent warm temperatures, typically between $6 8^{\circ} F$ and $7 7^{\circ} F$ ( $2 0^{\circ} C$ to $2 5^{\circ} C$ ).
Avoid Drafts: Keep it away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or hot radiators, as sudden temperature changes and dry air can stress the plant.

Soil: Use a rich, well-draining potting mix. A peat-based mix or a blend of standard potting soil with sand or perlite for improved drainage works well.
Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half or quarter strength, every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or stop feeding in the fall and winter.

Pruning: Regularly remove dead or yellowing fronds at the base to keep the plant tidy and encourage new growth.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound (roots are visibly circling the container). The best time for repotting is in the spring. Choose a pot that is only one size larger than the current one.
Propagation: It is easily propagated by dividing the root clump when repotting.