Nephrolepis biserrata 'Macho'
Plant Common Name: Broad Swordfern, Macho Broad Sword Fern
General Description
Broad sword fern is a ground-dwelling or terrestrial f ern,
native to Florida, Mexico, the West Indies, Central and South
America. It spreads slowly by rhizomes (below ground stems) and
stolons (above ground lateral stems). The leaf stems or petioles are
covered with sparse to moderate, one-color, reddish to light brown
hair-like scales. The fronds are evergreen, long, once-pinnate or
feather like, the leaflets have margins which are finely
double-toothed and are densely pubescent below. Macho fern has a
compact form and the fronds tend to grow shorter and more upright
than the arching or drooping frond of Nephrolepis biserrata. Broad
sword fern reproduces by spores or is easily divided to form new
plants. Broad sword fern has escaped cultivation and is an
agricultural weed in some tropical areas.
Plant broad sword fern for the landscape in part sun to full
shade in moist to well-drained soil. The more sun, the more moisture
is required. They are frost sensitive and are killed to the ground
by a few degrees of a freeze. However, they will return if the cold
weather is not a prolonged freeze. Broad sword fern is easy to grow
as a house plant, provide bright to moderate light and high humidity
for best growth. Broad sword fern is a great choice for a shady
groundcover, around pools, wet locations, natural areas and fern
bars. |
