Fern Macho

Nephrolepis biserrata

Characteristics

Culture

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-12 where Macho Fern may be grown in moist, humusy, well-drained soils in part shade. It is easily grown indoors as a houseplant. Use a peaty, soil-based potting mix. Site in bright indirect light with no direct sun. Tolerant of some shade. Soils should be kept consistently moist, with only a slight reduction in watering from fall to late winter. Macho Fern prefers high humidity and may appreciate being set on a tray of wet pebbles. Weak fertilizer applications may be made monthly from spring to early fall. Will shed fronds if soils dry out, at which point all fronds may be cut back to about 2” to regenerate. Frond tips may brown up in winter conditions where humidity is low.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This massive, brawny fern forms a giant, cascading mound of bright green, glossy fronds that can reach four feet in length. It is sometimes called a Boston Fern on Steroids because it dwarfs Boston ferns by comparison. Macho Fern needs little light to thrive, so this is the perfect fern to use in large urns on a covered porch or patio, or in large hanging baskets under the eaves of a building. Just be sure to give it plenty of moisture and site it out of the way of strong winds and afternoon sun. Since Macho Fern requires well-drained soil, it is more commonly grown in containers rather than in the landscape. It makes a magnificent monoculture container and if you can’t bear to part with it at the end of the season, you can bring it inside and grow it as a houseplant.

Problems

Scale, mealybugs, slugs and white fly may appear. Indoor leaf drop can be bothersome.

Garden Uses

As an indoor fern, it is perhaps best for pedestals or hanging baskets. Locations in or near bathrooms or kitchens may have better humidity.