This perennial fern and its cultivars have upright arching fronds that form a pendulous habit (bushy fountain of fronds). It has long divided fishbone-like dark green fronds with blackish stems and the fertile fronds appear during summer.

Hardiness zones 8 to 11

Nephrolepis exaltata is naturally found in North America in Mexico and extends to South America growing in tropical rainforests as an epiphyte or terrestrially. 

It prefers a well drained organic rich moist soil in a protected semi shaded to sunny position and is frost and drought tender. 

The Sword Fern is grown for its foliage and is planted in shaded gardens or rockeries as a specimen. It is also is planted in rainforest settings for a tropical effect and establishes in 1 to 2 years. It is commonly grown in pots or hanging baskets as a specimen and placed in a glass house in cold climates. There are up to 60 cultivars available with variable habits and foliage. ID 459 

Nephrolepis (nef-rō-LEP-is) exaltata (eks-al-TAH-ta)

‘Nephrolepsis’: from Greek nephros + lepis - kidney scale (refers to the kidney-shaped scales covering the spore case); ‘exaltata’: elevated or tall.

Polypodiaceae (pol-ee-PODE-ay-see-ee)