Free Nephrolepsis Exaltata Plants

The Nephrolepsis has long, sword-like fronds comprised of long leaflets on either side of a wiry midrib. Several varieties of the plant are available, with habits that range from erect to drooping, and leaflets that are either whole or divided by varying degrees, the finest being almost feathery. The different varieties are not always labelled correctly. Avoid growing the Nephrolepsis in an atmosphere that is either warm, dry or both. Such conditions will cause rapid dehydration, resulting in loss ofthe fronds or sometimes even the whole plant.

Plant type : Fern with upright, bushy habit
Season of interest : All year round
Size : 45-75cm (18-30in)
Flower : None
Leaf : Fronds, 30-90cm (12—36in) long, 5-7.5cm (2—3in) across, consisting of long leaflets on either side of midrib; leaflets are either whole or divided
Temperature : 15-21°C (59-7CTF)
Aspect/Light : Moderate to reasonable light, but out of direct sunlight
Humidity : Moderate to high
Watering : Keep compost evenly moist in spring and summer; water less in autumn and winter; never allow to dry out
Feeding : Once every two to four weeks with half strength houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Remove plantlets produced by runners and lay on surface of houseplant potting compost at 18-20°C (65 —68°F); collect spores and scatter on seed and cutting compost at 21 °C (70°F) in spring or summer
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Scale insect, dehydration of fronds due to dry atmosphere
Availability : Commonly available throughout year
Uses indoors : Useful table-top plant for lounge or dining room, provided conditions are not too warm and dry