Nephrolepis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffles'
sword fern 'Fluffy Ruffles'
A compact, clump-forming evergreen fern with masses of dense, sword-shaped, tripinnate fronds which are ruffled around the edges. A good air-purifying plant and ideal for terrariums and bottle gardens
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Lomariopsidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Nephrolepis are rhizomatous, sometimes stoloniferous, evergreen ferns with narrow, pinnately divided fronds, broader and more highly dissected in many cultivars
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors or under glass in a peat-free multipurpose compost, or a mix of 1 part loam, 2 parts sharp sand and 3 parts leaf mould in bright filtered light, with moderate to high humidity and good ventilation. During the growing season, water moderately with soft water and apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Fronds can rot if they become too wet. See Epiphytic Ferns for further advice. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice
Propagation
Sow spores are 21°C (70°F) as soon as ripe, but resulting plants are unlikely to come true. Separate rooted runners in late winter or early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Remove any dead fronds
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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