Fish Tail Fern

The Fish Tail Fern ought to be watered regularly, by lightly spritzing it with room temperature water, however it's best to err on the side of caution - under watering is much better than over watering. Aim for once or twice a week depending on humidity and temperature levels, and aim for more frequent waterings during the hotter months.

The Nephrolepis falcata prefers bright but indirect light. It can survive with a bit more or less light, just make sure it does not receive too much direct sun as the fronds can burn. It also prefers more shade than other ferns so if you want it to stay healthy and lush, be mindful when placing it in natural or artificial lighting sources.

The Fish Tail Fern prefers moderately warm temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 - 24 Celsius). During cooler winter months, temperatures should not drop too low as this can damage the plant. Keep away from any cold drafts and radiators.

The Fish Tail Fern loves humid environments and is known for being reasonably drought tolerant. It will thrive in most indoor environments as long as the humidity is kept at a minimum of 40%. If the humidity levels are below this, it's important to increase the frequency of watering and misting.

The Fish Tail Fern does best in a well-draining potting soil with an approximate ratio of 4 parts soil, 3 parts peat moss, and 1 part perlite or coarse sand. The soil should also be slightly acidic with a pH between 5 and 5.5.

The Fish Tail Fern does not need to be fertilized, however if you want to encourage lush growth you can do so using mild liquid fertilizer every month or two during the growing season. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer and follow package instructions for proper application.

The most common pests that cause problems for the Fish Tail Fern are spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. To remove these pests, use horticultural oils, neem oils, or insecticidal soaps. Make sure to mix and apply according to the instructions on the label, and always wear protection when applying these products. Check the undersides of leaves regularly for pests and spray when necessary.

The Fish Tail Fern only requires repotting when the root system becomes too large for the pot it is in. If the roots look cramped or are coming out of drainage holes, it's time to find a larger container. When repotting, make sure to use fresh, sterile potting soil and trim away any dead roots. You can also do some safe shaping of the fronds if needed at this time.

The Fish Tail Fern does not require much pruning, and it's important to make sure not to over prune as this can cause the fronds to become weak and not return as thick and full as before. Any dead fronds or leaves should be removed promptly. If the fronds have become too long, shaping can be done during repotting or pruning can be done carefully

Mulching is not necessary for the Fish Tail Fern, as it does not help retain moisture. In fact, over-mulching can lead to fungal problems.

The Fish Tail Fern can easily be propagated either through spores or division. To propagate through spores, wet a paper towel and carefully sprinkle the spores on top. Place the spores in a covered container at room temperature for about two weeks until the germination process has begun. To propagate through division, carefully divide the rhizomes, making sure there are at least two rhizomes with a few fronds each, and replant in new containers filled with the recommended soil mix.

The Fish Tail Fern does not require additional support, however if stembending is an issue, you can attach a stake while in the pot. A stake will provide traction for the fronds to form properly.

Although not necessary, the Fish Tail Fern may benefit from a period of rest during the winter months. During this period, you can slow down watering and fertilizing, making sure to not let the soil dry out completely.

The Fish Tail Fern is listed as non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs, so it's safe for pet owners to enjoy this plant indoors.