Tall Feather Fern Nephrolepis biserrata

The giant sword fern is a tropical herbaceous perennial in the polypody family (Polypodiaceae). It is native to the Americas, Africa and Southeast Asia. In some nurseries, it is labeled macho fern because it is the largest of the sword ferns. Its genus name is derived from Greek. Nephro- means kidney, and -lepis refers to scales. Together they reference the appearance of this fern’s indusium. Biserrata is Latin and describes the double-serrated leaf margins.  

Outside of tropical climates, this fern is an indoor plant. It prefers moist, well-draining soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. Although it can tolerate poor soils, the presence of some organic material is needed. The giant sword fern grows well in partial to full sun but is intolerant of drought. 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. In tropical gardens, it can grow as an epiphyte on larger plants or as a lithophyte on rocky outcrops. In moist tropical areas, it grows rapidly and spreads via stolons to form large colonies. 

The giant sword fern is a beautiful focal point in large indoor areas or toward the back of a garden in zones 10 or 11. In tropical areas, it can serve as groundcover in shade or as a woodland border. This fern does very well in containers and hanging baskets outside of the tropical zones. While considered by most to be inedible, in some African cultures, the young leaves are cooked and eaten.

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: Other than the Florida fern caterpillar, this fern generally has no significant disease or pest issues. However, if placed outdoors for the summer, it is a good idea to look for mealybugs, scale, aphids, or fern mites before moving the plant indoors for the winter.

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