Nephrolepis Falcata
Also known as
Fishtail Fern, Fishtail Fern and Macho Fern
Taxonomy
Nephrolepis falcata
Nephrolepis
Nephrolepidaceae
Polypodiales

How to care for Nephrolepis Falcata
How often to water your Nephrolepis Falcata

every 7
Nephrolepis Falcata needs 0.5 cups of water every 7 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
7
Finding light for Fishtail Fern in your home

a window
Nephrolepis Falcata can tolerate being far from a window and light source.
Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Nephrolepis Falcata in your home 🏡.
How to fertilize Nephrolepis Falcata

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Nephrolepis Falcata after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
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My plant is yellow. Why? #BostonFern
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My fern started dying so I cut off the dead stems and it’s not growing back. Can someone help please? I’ve had her for a while and she just started browning and dying.
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Why is my fern suddenly losing fronds? #KimberlyQueenFern
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I brought my boston fern indoors about 4 weeks ago. It now has no leaves at all. :( what to do? Thnx #BostonFern
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I have had Ferdinand for over 7 years. He was given me my a friend at my last job after her sister rescued him from a hoarder situation. He loves being in the backyard all spring and summer but he always worries me when we bring him in - he is kind of a drama king! But when I watered him tonight I noticed he has new fiddleheads. I was so excited when I found out the new curled leaf of a fern is called a fiddlehead, how cute is that! #plantsofthe40thstreetbungalow #fernfronds
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I am very happy to announce that my dear Sad Sally is getting a new name. She will now be known as Superb Sally!!! Look at this girl go!! I’m so excited to share this updated photo!
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Just got Randy from Lowe’s on clearance. He has some dry leaves. Should I pull all those out? Also, do I need anything to hold up the branches? #BostonFern
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I adopted Ferdinand on October 31, 2016! He is my oldest plant. He was a rescue. I have been married for 7 1/2 years and I have had him for 7 years! #plantsofthe40thstreetbungalow #FernFriends #BostonFern
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I love this new pot I got today and it is just perfect for Fernielicious, my cotton candy fern. #newpot #FernFriends #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy
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Definitely not thriving 😞 I will trim him up and give him some TLC today but it’s not looking good #BostonFern
Nephrolepis Falcata is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
💦 Water Needs
Nephrolepis Falcata is sensitive to dry soil and should be watered frequently. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
☀️ Sunlight Needs
Nephrolepis Falcata can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
💨 Humidity
Nephrolepis Falcata prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.
🪴 Soil
Nephrolepis Falcata does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
💩 Fertilizer
Nephrolepis Falcata should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
❄️ Dormancy
It’s common for Nephrolepis Falcata to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
🌎 Native Region
Nephrolepis Falcata is native to Worldwide.
⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern
Nephrolepis Falcata grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
🌱 Propagation
Nephrolepis Falcata can be propagated by division into new individual plants.
- Check to see if there is more than one plant. In some cases they may still be beneath the soil surface. If you feel confident, you may remove the soil to check for baby plantlets below!
- If there are multiple plants growing, unpot the plant and gently tug the plants apart, being careful not to disturb too many of the roots. They may be connected by large root segments which you may need to break to free the plantlet.
- Pot up the new plant in well-draining soil
- Repot the parent plant back into its original pot
🧐 Troubleshooting
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Care Summary for Nephrolepis Falcata
Nephrolepis Falcata
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 7 days

< 6ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
