sword fern

Grow indoors or under glass in a 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 soft water and apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Fronds can rot if they become too wet

Remove any dead fronds

Propagate by spores, sow spores at 21°C (70°F) as soon as ripe. Separate rooted runners in late winter or early spring

Can suffer from scale insects

Generally disease free but may be subject to rot if fronds become too wet