The macho fern, also known as the sword fern or nephrolepis biserrata, is a large, elegant fern known for its gracefully arching fronds. This tropical plant is native to Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Puerto Rico and other humid, subtropical climates. With the right care, the macho fern makes an excellent houseplant or outdoor specimen in frost-free regions Here’s everything you need to know about growing this beautiful fern
Macho Fern Care Basics
Caring for a macho fern isn’t difficult but there are a few key things to keep in mind
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Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the fronds.
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Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
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Humidity: Mist the fern often or use a pebble tray to add humidity. Ideal levels are 60-70%.
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Temperature: Average room temperatures between 60-80°F are suitable. Avoid drafty areas.
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Soil: Use a loose, peaty potting mix. Re-pot in spring if rootbound.
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Fertilizer: Apply diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
Light Requirements
The macho fern thrives in bright, filtered light. When grown indoors, place it near an east or west-facing window where it will receive gentle morning or afternoon sun. Direct hot sunlight will burn the delicate fronds. Outdoors, situate it in light to medium shade. Dappled sunlight filtering through trees is ideal.
Watering and Humidity
Keep the soil moist at all times, allowing the top 1-2 inches to dry out slightly between waterings. The fronds will become crispy and brown if the plant gets too dry. misting and pebble trays help increase humidity around the fern. Bathrooms provide an ideal humid environment.
Temperature
Average indoor temperatures between 60-80°F suit the macho fern well. Avoid drafty areas as ferns dislike cold drafts. In the summer, move the plant outside as long as the temperature at night stays above 50°F.
Soil
Use a loose, peaty potting mix for macho ferns. Adding peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark to regular potting soil will help it drain and air out. Re-pot in spring if the fern becomes rootbound. Choose a pot that is one size bigger, and before you plant it again, tease apart any roots that are circling.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 2-3 months during the active growing season. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and foliage.
Growing Indoors vs. Outdoors
The macho fern can be grown both indoors and outdoors in suitable climates. When grown as a houseplant, situate in a bright room with ample humidity. Mist frequently, provide good air circulation and watch for pests like spider mites.
Outdoors, plant in organically rich, acidic soil in light to medium shade. Amend native soil with peat moss or compost to improve drainage. Maintain consistent soil moisture. In areas with heavy winter frosts, grow the fern in a container that can be moved indoors before cold weather arrives.
Propagation
Propagate new macho ferns by division in early spring. Carefully take the plant out of its pot and use a clean knife to separate the stems from the main root ball. Re-plant divisions in small pots using fresh potting mix. Keep the ferns that have been split open and moist until new growth shows up.
Common Problems
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Leaf tip burn – Caused by dry air, insufficient humidity, or water stress. Improve growing conditions.
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Leaf drop – Result of overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light. Adjust care accordingly.
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Mealybugs & scale – Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap spray.
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Root rot – Usually caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Allow plant to dry out before re-watering.
FAQ
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about macho fern care:
How much light does a macho fern need?
Bright, indirect light. Avoid hot direct sunlight. Dappled sun or bright shade is ideal.
What’s the best potting mix for a macho fern?
A loose, peaty mix that retains moisture but also drains well. Amend regular potting soil with peat and perlite.
Should I mist my macho fern?
Yes, misting helps increase humidity around the fern.Aim for 60% or higher.
When should I re-pot my macho fern?
When it becomes rootbound, usually every 2-3 years. Move it to a pot one size larger in early spring.
Is the macho fern poisonous?
No, the macho fern is non-toxic and pet-safe.
Conclusion
With its gracefully arching fronds and tropical charm, the macho fern makes a unique houseplant specimen. Provide this fern with filtered light, consistent moisture, warm temperatures and humidity for optimal growth. Repot when rootbound and propagate by division. Avoid direct sun, overwatering and cold drafts for a healthy plant. Follow these simple care guidelines and the macho fern will thrive indoors or outdoors!
What is a Macho Fern?
Ferns provide elegant greenery with a classic, airy form. The Macho fern (Nephrolepis biserrata) is one of the best examples of these plants. Best of all, Macho fern care is easy, breezy, and can grow either as a houseplant or an outdoor specimen in warmer regions.
Macho ferns can be found growing wild in Florida, Louisiana, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The plant may be epiphytic but is usually found near swamps and wet sites. The big ferns can grow 4 feet (1 m. ) tall with fronds that swing out up to 6 feet (2 m. ) wide. The stems have fine reddish hairs and the fronds are composed of numerous, gently toothed leaflets.
Also known as the broad sword fern, this fern doesn’t form tubers like some species. In Florida, Macho fern is protected and has experienced population loss due to human intervention. Make sure you get one from a reputable dealer and do not harvest the plant from the wild.