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Dallas Fern Nephrolepis biserrata

Previously known as:

  • Nephrolepis exaltata var. biserrata
Phonetic Spelling
nef-roh-LEP-iss by-ser-AH-tah
Description

The Giant Sword Fern (Nephrolepis biserrata) is native to tropical areas in the Americas, Africa and Southeast Asia. It is the largest of the sword ferns and is referred to as Macho Fern in some nurseries. Nephro (kidney) and lepis (scales) are derived from Greek and reflect the appearance of this fern’s indusium. Biserrata described the leaf margin.  

This fern does well in tropical climates or as a large indoor plant. It prefers moist, well-draining soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. It will tolerate poor soils if some organic material is present. The Macho Fern grows well in partial to full sun and will not tolerate drought. In moist tropical areas it can grow rapidly and spread to form large colonies. While considered by most to be inedible, in some African cultures, the young leaves are cooked and eaten. Yellowing leaves may be a sign of overwatering.  Dropping leaves may indicate either over or underwatering.

The large, pointed fronds create a striking tropical appearance and are a beautiful focal point in large indoor areas or toward the back of a garden in zones 10-11.In tropical areas, it can serve as groundcover in shade or as a woodland border and can grow as an epiphyte on rocky solid or on larger plants. This fern does very well in containers and hanging baskets outside of its growth zone.

This fern generally has no significant disease or pest issues. However, if grown outdoors below Zone 9, keep an eye out for mealybugs, scale, aphids, or fern mites when moving the plant indoors. 

Quick ID Hints:

  • Sori: circular or horseshoe shaped
  • Pinnae: margins are double-toothed (biserrate)
  • Fronds: bright green, long and pointed, reaching up to 8 feet in length

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No significant diseases or pests. Watch for Florida Fern Caterpillar.

VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Macho'
    giant, cascading bright green fronds that can grow to 4 feet in length
'Macho'
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#fern#hanging baskets#evergreen ferns#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Macho'
    giant, cascading bright green fronds that can grow to 4 feet in length
'Macho'
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#fern#hanging baskets#evergreen ferns#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Nephrolepis
    Species:
    biserrata
    Family:
    Polypodiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    tropical Americas, Africa and Southeast Asia
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Fern
    Houseplant
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    No fruits. This plants reproduces via spores.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Description:
    No flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Papery
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Fronds
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Margin:
    Doubly Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Landscape Theme:
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Barrier
    Border
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer