1 named cultivar

‘Macho’Macho Fern

fernN. America Native

Fern

The Story

Plant Bio

Nephrolepis biserrata, the giant sword fern, is a large evergreen fern native to the tropical Americas as well as Africa and Southeast Asia, throwing arching fronds three to eight feet long from a spreading rhizome. The fronds are once-divided into many narrow leaflets, and the plant reproduces by spores rather than flowering.

It is far bigger than the Boston fern most people know, and it runs by rhizome rather than sitting in a clump — in a frost-free garden that makes it a coloniser, and 'Macho' is grown precisely for the scale. Give it deep shade and room, or a large basket where the runners have nowhere to go.

Uses & Benefits:

Long arching fronds on a scale few ferns match, evergreen where frost allows.

Fast, forgiving and easily divided, and one of the best large ferns for deep shade.

A native fern across the American tropics; deer generally leave it alone.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

48 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Tropical Americas, Africa and Southeast Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Give it partial to deep shade; sun scorches the fronds.
Allow four to six feet of spread per plant.
Keep the soil moist but freely draining.
Grow it in a container to contain the rhizomes.
Cut old or damaged fronds at the base.
Protect from frost; it is tender.

Pro Tip

It spreads by rhizome rather than clumping, so in frost-free ground plant it where running is welcome — or keep it in a pot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant it in deep or partial shade 🌑
Keep it consistently moist 💧
Give it real room to spread 📏
Cut tired fronds at the base ✂️

Don't

Grow it in direct sun ❌
Let it dry out completely ❌
Plant it in a small bed and expect it to stay ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Tidy

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Large shaded container or basketTropical understorey in frost-free gardensInterior planting where there is height to fill

Companion Plants

CaladiumPeace Lily PhilodendronBromeliad Cast Iron Plant

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Fern questions

What zones can Fern grow in?

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 Fern deer resistant?

Yes — Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Fern bloom?

Fern typically blooms in does not flower through late winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Fern need full sun?

Fern does best in part shade.