Nephrolepis exaltata

The fronds of Nephrolepis exaltata are {{convert|50–250|cm}} long and {{convert|6–15|cm}} broad, with alternate pinnae (the small "leaflets" on either side of the midrib), each pinna being {{convert|2–8|cm}} long. The pinnae are generally deltoid, as seen in the adjacent picture. The pinnate vein pattern is also visible on these highly compound leaves. The edges appear slightly serrate, linear to lanceolate and glandular. The rachis bears monochrome sprout soups. The leaflets are entire, undestroyed and oblong-lanceolate up to {{convert|4.8|in}} long and up to {{convert|0.9|in}} wide. They stand at a distance of less than {{convert|1|cm}}. The sori are rounded. The spores are warty and wrinkled. Nephrolepis exaltata forms an underground rhizome that is slim and tuberous.

The species has erect fronds, but Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis' (Boston fern) and 'Teddy Junior' have gracefully arching fronds. This mutation was discovered in a shipment of N. exaltata to Boston from Philadelphia in 1894.[http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1095/ANR-1095.pdf?PHPSESSID=b5bbe727be409a0d380e892ed18e811f Greenhouse Production of Boston Ferns - Alabama Cooperative Extension System] Other proposals for the origin of the term Boston fern were documented by David Fairchild, who stated that the term came from Florida pioneer nurseryman John Soar, who sent the plants to his friend in Boston.http://www.fshs.org/Proceedings/Password%20Protected/1980%20Vol.%2093/208-210%20(SMITH).pdf Cecil N. Smith - Evolution of the Florida Foliage Plant Industry

The fern is common in humid forests and swamps, especially in northern South America, Mexico, Central America, Florida, the West Indies, Polynesia and Africa. N. exaltata thrives in moist, shady locations and is found frequently in swamps and floodplains. The plant can grow both terrestrially and as an epiphyte. It grows epiphytically on the Sabal palmetto.

Two subspecies are accepted:

• Nephrolepis exaltata subsp. exaltata – subtropical and tropical Americas
• Nephrolepis exaltata subsp. hawaiiensis {{small|W.H.Wagner}} – Hawaiian Islands

Nephrolepis exaltata is a very popular house plant, often grown in hanging baskets or similar conditions. It is a perennial plant hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9–11. Although the fern may appear totally dead during periods of frost, it will re-emerge in the spring. In general, the Boston fern thrives in damp, but not soggy, soil that is rich in nutrients. Of the common cultivated ferns, the Boston fern is the most tolerant to drought. The fern is acclimated to humid conditions, so when grown as a house plant, it is necessary to mist the plant when relative humidity falls below around 80%. Although the plant prefers partial shade or full shade outdoors, it doesn't grow in shade when indoors and responds best to bright filtered light.{{Cite web |title=Growing Indoor Plants with Success |url=https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1318&title=growing-indoor-plants-with-success |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=extension.uga.edu |language=en}} The plant is usually propagated by division of the rooted runners, as named cultivars will not produce true spores. It is safe for pets as it is known to be non-toxic.{{cite web|title=Boston Fern|url=https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/boston-fern|website=aspca.org}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.pets.ca/cats/articles/safe-plants-and-poisonous-plants-for-cats/|title=Poisonous and non toxic plants for cats - Article on Pets.ca | Pets.ca}}

A number of cultivars exist:{{cite book|author=VIDALIE Henri|title=Les productions florales (8e ed.)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=McvuAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA112|date=8 September 2009|publisher=Lavoisier|isbn=978-2-7430-1667-8|pages=112–}}

{{div col|colwidth=15em}}

• 'Teddy Junior'
• 'Bostoniensis'
• 'Sonata'
• 'Montana'
• 'Green Lady'
• 'Marissa' (a dwarf variety)
• 'Todeoides'
• 'Whitmanii Improved'
• 'Rooseveltii'

{{div col end}}

The following are recipients of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:

• Nephrolepis exaltata{{cite web | url = https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/11508/Nephrolepis-exaltata/Details | title = Nephrolepis exaltata | website = www.rhs.org | publisher = Royal Horticultural Society | access-date = 3 January 2021}}
• Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'{{cite web | url = https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/58296/Nephrolepis-exaltata-Bostoniensis/Details | title = Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis' | publisher = RHS | accessdate = 6 January 2021}}
• Nephrolepis exaltata 'Elegantissima'{{cite web | url = https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/176665/Nephrolepis-exaltata-Elegantissima/Details | title = Nephrolepis exaltata 'legantissima' | publisher = RHS | accessdate = 6 January 2021}}

A related species, Nephrolepis cordifolia (Tuberous sword fern), is frequently confused with this sword fern, and is a serious exotic invasive plant, forming dense monocultures.

Nephrolepis exaltata is classified as an invasive alien plant in South Africa. In some provinces it must be eradicated by law. In others, a permit is required to import, possess, grow, breed, move, sell, buy or accept one as a gift.{{Cite web |url=http://www.sana.co.za/Alien-Invasive-Plants/ |title=Alien Invasive Plants - The South African Nursery Association |access-date=2012-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313014330/http://www.sana.co.za/Alien-Invasive-Plants/ |archive-date=2013-03-13 |url-status=dead }}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Wikispecies-inline}}
• {{GRIN}}
• [http://www.floridata.com/ref/N/neph_exa.cfm Floridata: Nephrolepis exaltata]

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exaltata

Category:Ferns of the Americas

Category:House plants

Category:Low light plants

Category:Native ferns of Hawaii