Kimberly Queen Fern

Nephrolepsis obliterata

Australian Sword Ferns

There is something elegant about a fern and now, with the cultivation of the Kimberly Queen Fern or the Australian Sword Fern as it is sometimes called, we can all have one. Unlike the Boston, Dallas, or Fluffy Ruffle Ferns, the Kimberly Queen Fern is more compact, tidier, and easier to care for. Its long, almost erect sword shaped fronds never leave a mess. This extremely adaptable fern looks just as beautiful whether hanging on your porch in the summer or in your dining room during the winter.

1. The tips of the fronds on my Kimberly Queen Fern are turning brown and dying before growing to their full length.

The fronds of a Kimberly Queen Fern need plenty of space to spread out. If they touch a window or table they will turn brown and stop growing. Excessive fertilizerPlants need fertilizer only when they are actively growing. Slow growing plants in low light require very little plant food. Too much fertilizer is worse than not enough. Most plants prefer a water soluble plant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. Plants that are in bloom or dormant should not be fertilized. Houseplant food contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). A fertilizer containing these elements in equal proportion is considered a balanced plant food. Nitrogen helps in photosynthesis and encourages the growth of leaves and stems. Potassium and phosphorus also help in photosynthesis and aid in root and flower development. Most fertilizers have trace elements of other minerals that are lacking in the soil but are necessary for good plant growth. Fertilizers have a high salt content. If a plant is not producing new leaves and doesn’t absorb the fertilizer, salts build up in the soil. These salts can burn the roots, discolor the leaves, and cause new growth to be small. and low humidity can also burn the tips.

2. Can I hang my fern in a Southern window?

A Kimberly Queen is one of the few ferns that can live in the direct sun. However, it will be happier and easier to care for if placed in bright indirect lightVery few houseplants should be placed in direct sun. High light refers only to bright indirect light since direct sun often burns the leaves of indoor houseplants. An area that is too hot and dry encourages Spider Mites and causes blooms to quickly fade. A northern exposure really doesn't provide enough light for high light plants. These plants need to be placed directly in front of an east-facing window, within 1-3 feet of a west-facing window, and within 5 ft. of a south facing window. A high light area has over 300 ft. candles of light..

3. I have Boston fern that is always dropping leaves and making a mess. Will a Kimberly fern be much better?

Although a Kimberly fern does not have the long draping fronds of a Boston fern, it is quite superior in every other way. It is easy to grow and hard to kill unless you over water. The large to almost upright fronds rarely drop leaves.

My Kimberly Queen is gettin huge. Can I cut it in half and plant part of it outside?

A Kimberly Queen does very well outside whether in a pot or planted in your garden if the temperature is fairly moderate. It will stop growing below 55 degrees and totally die back below freezing. If the temperature does get cold, be sure to mulch well to protect the plant's roots.