This fern has short erect rhizomes with spreading upright foliage and runners that form a clump. It has long divided glossy dark green fishbone-like fronds that are erect to arching and the fertile fronds appear during early summer.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12 

Nephrolepis falcata is naturally found in south-east Asia growing in well drained fertile moist humus rich sandy soils. It prefers a shaded to a semi-shaded protected position and is frost and drought tender. 

The Fishtail Fern is an unusual fern that is grown for its long attractive fronds. It is commonly grown in hanging baskets for a cascade effect or planted in tropical gardens as a spill-over or as an understorey plant. It is suitable for small shaded gardens or gully settings and is commonly grown as a potted shade house plant. It establishes from division in 1 to 2 years. ID 1303

Nephrolepis (nef-rō-LEP-is) falcata (fal-KA-ta)

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

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