Kimberly Queen Fern
Nephrolepis obliterata 'Kimberly Queen'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
36 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
9
Water
High
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Long-lived perennial
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic, safe for pets.
The Story
Plant Bio
Nephrolepis obliterata is a species of sword fern known for its tolerance of lower humidity and light levels compared to the common Boston fern. It has upright, sword-shaped fronds. 'Kimberly Queen' is a popular cultivar prized for its neat, upright growth habit, which is less messy than the weeping Boston fern. Its dark green fronds are robust, making it an excellent choice for containers or as a houseplant.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a location with bright, indirect light or morning sun.
- Use a well-draining, peat-rich potting mix.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide moderate to high humidity if possible.
- Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
- Trim off any dead or brown fronds at the base.
Pro Tip
This fern is more tolerant of sun and lower humidity than Boston ferns, but thrives with consistent moisture and bright, indirect light.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep the soil evenly moist at all times.
- Provide bright, indirect light for best growth.
- Increase humidity by misting or using a pebble tray.
- Remove dead fronds to keep the plant looking tidy.
Don't
- Do not let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
- Do not place in direct, hot afternoon sun.
- Do not let the plant sit in a saucer of standing water.
- Avoid placing it near heating or cooling vents.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Kimberly Queen Fern questions
What zones can Kimberly Queen Fern grow in?
Kimberly Queen Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Kimberly Queen Fern deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Kimberly Queen Fern, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Kimberly Queen Fern bloom?
Kimberly Queen Fern typically blooms in late winter through late winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Kimberly Queen Fern need full sun?
Kimberly Queen Fern does best in part shade.
More Nephrolepis to compare
Brilliance Autumn Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Brilliance Autumn'
Godzilla Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Godzilla'
Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
Lady in Red Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Lady in Red'
Golden Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Jurassic Gold'
Macho Fern
Nephrolepis biserrata 'Macho'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Kimberly Queen Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
