Australian Sword Fern

The Australian Sword Fern prefers damp, but not soggy, soil. It should be watered regularly, but be careful not to over water and keep the soil moist but not wet. During the summer months it should be watered more frequently, and during the winter months less often. Allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings will help maintain a healthy moisture balance in the soil.

The Australian Sword Fern can be grown in both shady and sunny locations but prefers partial shade in warmer climates. As a tropical plant they do not handle cold temperatures very well, and should be kept indoors if temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal range when growing indoors is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. If placed outside, the Australian Sword Fern should always be in an area that has morning sun and afternoon shade.

The Australian Sword Fern is a tropical plant, and prefers temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. In colder temperatures, it should be kept indoors in order to thrive. When temperatures fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant should be brought inside immediately. Too much cold can cause leaves to wilt and could even lead to death.

The Australian Sword Fern prefers high humidity. It does well in moderately humid climates but can do even better if provided with a humidifier or certain misting techniques, especially during the drier winter months. Positioning the plant near a source of water, such as near a humidifier or near a fountain, can provide it with the added humidity needed.

The Australian Sword Fern requires soil that is well-draining and nutrient rich. A good soil mixture should contain equal parts peat moss, perlite, and compost. Adding a layer of mulch on top will help to retain moisture and add a bit of extra fertility to the soil.

The Australian Sword Fern does not require much fertilization, but will benefit from the occasional feeding of a slow-release fertilizer. A water-soluble fertilizer such as a 20-20-20 mix can be applied every two weeks during the growing season. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer to half strength, as too much fertilizer can harm the plant.

The Australian Sword Fern can suffer from aphids, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. All of these can be removed with insecticidal soap or neem oil. In order to prevent these pests from taking up residence, make sure to regularly check the underside of the fronds for possible signs of pests such as webbing, sticky residue, spots, or dead leaves. If any of these signs are present, then remove and discard the affected leaves and treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

The Australian Sword Fern should be repotted every two to three years in a pot or container that is slightly larger than the existing one. Be sure to add a soil mixture that is rich in organic matter to help promote healthy root growth. Repotting should be done in the springtime, before the growing season begins.

The Australian Sword Fern is a slow grower and doesn’t require much pruning. It’s important to note that pruning should be done in the spring, after the chance of frost has passed. If pruning is desired, make sure to use clean and sharp shears to trim back the longest fronds and to give the plant it’s desired shape. Be sure not to prune too drastically, as this can harm the plant.

Mulching can be beneficial to the Australian Sword Fern as it will help retain soil moisture and add extra fertility to the soil. An organic mulch such as compost, leaf mulch, or bark chips is recommended, and should be applied in a thin layer, about an inch thick.

The Australian Sword Fern can be easily propagated by division. The best time to do this is in the springtime when the weather is warm. Simply dig the fern up and separate it into two or three pieces using a sharp spade. Once divided, each piece should be planted in a separate pot using the same soil mixture as before. Be sure to keep the separated pieces moist until they are fully established.

The Australian Sword Fern is not a heavy plant, but its fronds can become a bit droopy if not provided with proper support. To provide support, use a trellis or pole to keep the fronds up off the ground and promote better air circulation.

Australian Sword Ferns do not require a rest period in order to thrive, but if the leaves begin to look droopy or yellow then a dormant period may help. To do this, reduce waterings and keep the plant in a less sunny location. The plant should be given a drink every two weeks during the rest period, but be very careful not to overwater.

The Australian Sword Fern is not considered toxic to pets, but it may cause some minor stomach discomfort if ingested. It is always best to keep pets away from your plants, as any ingestion of a large amount of plant matter could be harmful.