Fishtail Fern
Nephrolepis falcata
Dramatic, deeply lobed fronds with a distinctive fishtail shape — a bold, architectural fern for humid, bright spaces.
Overview
The Fishtail Fern (Nephrolepis falcata) is a striking relative of the Boston Fern, distinguished by its dramatically lobed, forked fronds that give each leaflet a distinctive fishtail or sickle shape. The fronds are bold and architectural — far more dramatic than the typical Boston Fern — and create a lush, tropical statement in any space. Like all Nephrolepis ferns, it requires high humidity and consistent moisture to thrive. It grows quickly in the right conditions and can reach impressive sizes. A showstopper for plant collectors who want something beyond the ordinary.
Care Requirements
Light
Medium to Bright Indirect Light — avoid direct sun
Water
Every 1–2 weeks — keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged
Humidity
High (60–80%) — requires high humidity to thrive
Soil
Rich, well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix
Temperature
60–75°F (15–24°C) — prefers consistent moderate temperatures
Fertilizer
Monthly in spring and summer with diluted balanced fertilizer; none in fall and winter
Detailed Care Guide
Light
- Thrives in medium to bright indirect light — bright but filtered light produces the most dramatic fronds
- Tolerates lower light but growth slows and fronds become less bold
- Avoid direct sun which scorches and browns the fronds
- East or north-facing windows with consistent indirect light are ideal
Watering
- Water every 1–2 weeks — keep soil consistently moist but never soggy
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely — fronds brown quickly when dry
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch
- Reduce watering slightly in winter but never let it dry out completely
Soil
- Use a rich potting mix with good moisture retention — add peat or coco coir
- Needs to retain moisture but also drain well
- Slightly acidic pH (5.5–6.5) is ideal
- Repot annually in spring
Temperature & Humidity
- Prefers consistent temperatures between 60–75°F
- Avoid temperatures below 50°F and hot, dry conditions
- Requires high humidity (60–80%) — the most critical care requirement
- Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or bathroom placement to maintain humidity
Difficulty Level
Intermediate — the main challenge is maintaining high humidity. In a humid environment it is relatively straightforward. In dry indoor air it struggles with browning fronds. Consistent moisture and high humidity are essential. Rewarding for those who can provide the right conditions.
Extra Notes
Pet safe — completely non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. The distinctive fishtail shape of the fronds is a natural characteristic — each leaflet has a forked, lobed tip that gives the plant its common name. High humidity is the single most important factor for this fern — a humidifier makes all the difference.
Pro Tip
Group your Fishtail Fern with other humidity-loving plants — Boston Fern, Asparagus Fern, Fittonia — to create a microclimate of higher humidity around all of them. Plants transpire moisture, and grouping them together raises the ambient humidity naturally. This simple trick makes a dramatic difference for all ferns.
New to this plant?
Just Received This Plant?
If you just received a cutting or node: pot into a rich, moisture-retentive mix and place in medium indirect light. Keep consistently moist and in high humidity. Avoid fertilizing for 8 weeks.
If you just received a potted plant: place in medium indirect light immediately. Check the soil and water if the top inch is dry. Place in a humid spot or near a humidifier. Do not fertilize for 6 weeks. Some frond browning during acclimation is normal.
Basic Care Instructions
Place in medium to bright indirect light, keep soil consistently moist (water every 1–2 weeks), and maintain high humidity (60–80%). Fertilize monthly in spring and summer. Repot annually in spring.
Propagation
Propagate by division when repotting — carefully separate the root ball into sections with healthy fronds and roots, and pot individually. Runners (stolons) can also be pinned to moist soil to root.
Common Problems & Fixes
Brown, crispy frond tips and edges
Low humidity is almost always the cause. Increase humidity significantly with a humidifier or pebble tray. Move to a bathroom or kitchen where humidity is naturally higher. Trim brown areas with clean scissors.
Fronds yellowing and dropping
Check soil moisture — if soggy, allow to dry out and check for root rot. If bone dry, water immediately. Consistent moisture is key. Also check for cold drafts which cause rapid frond drop.
Slow growth and small new fronds
Usually insufficient light or low humidity. Move to a brighter spot with indirect light and increase humidity. Feed monthly during the growing season with diluted balanced fertilizer.
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