The beautiful macho fern (Nephrolepis biserrta) is a large, spreading fern native to Florida (among other places). In zones 9 and 10 the fern can be grown outdoors year-round, and even in more temperate climates, the macho fern makes an excellent patio specimen throughout the warm summer months. Simply bring your fern in during the cold winter months.
When grown outdoors, macho ferns require the shade of spreading trees or a patio overhang. Early morning sun or evening sun will not harm them, but the afternoon’s rays can burn their foliage. When cultivated indoors, these ferns will thrive with bright, indirect light.
The water and nutritional needs of your fern are quite straightforward. Macho ferns do not do well under draught conditions. Water them regularly, but allow the soil to partially dry out before each watering. The goal is moist (but not wet) soil. Fern fertilization should be sparing. A balanced soluble fertilizer applied at half strength every 6 weeks should do the trick. Cease fertilization during the winter months.
Macho ferns. They are big, but they are also beautiful. We hope that this short overview will help you to enjoy the beauty of your macho fern for as long as possible.
Sources
A Great Insight on How to Properly Care for Macho Ferns (n.d.). Retrieved 8/18/21 from https://gardenerdy.com/how-to-care-for-macho-ferns/
Macho Fern: Nephrolepis biserrata (n.d.). Retrieved 8/18/21 from https://www.costafarms.com/plants/macho-fern
Marie, J. (n.d.). How to Care for Macho Ferns. Retrieved 8/18/21 from https://www.hunker.com/13427874/how-to-care-for-macho-ferns
Wilson, V. (2020). Macho Fern Care and Growing Guide. Retrieved 8/18/21 from https://www.hobbyplants.com/macho-fern-care-growing-guide/