Southern Sword Fern

Southern Sword Fern

1 Gallon
$19.00
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Southern Sword Fern
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Southern Sword Fern

Nephrolepis cordifolia, Tuberous Sword Fern, Kupukupu

A tough, evergreen sword fern with upright fronds and underground tubers that make it more resilient and forgiving than traditional Boston ferns.

$19.00
Size

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) is a reliable, low-maintenance evergreen fern prized for its upright, sword-shaped fronds and exceptional adaptability. Unlike more delicate fern varieties, this species develops underground tubers that help it tolerate short dry periods and recover quickly after planting.

Its clean structure and rich green foliage make it an excellent choice for shaded landscapes, patios, entryways, and indoor environments. In mild coastal climates like the San Francisco Bay Area, it performs beautifully year-round outdoors while also thriving as a large houseplant in bright, indirect light.

Why gardeners and designers choose Southern Sword Fern:

  • More drought-tolerant than Boston Fern

  • Stronger fronds with less leaf drop

  • Excellent for shade gardens and low-light areas

  • Performs well in containers or in the ground

  • Reliable evergreen color all year in mild climates

Knowing how we measure the size?

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

  • A larger gallon size generally means:

    • A more established root system

    • A sturdier plant

    • Faster visual impact after planting

  • Example:

    • 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity

    • 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.


🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Ornamental trees

    • Feature plants

    • Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.

  • Why choose Multi:

    • Fuller, more sculptural appearance

    • Strong visual presence even at younger ages

    • Popular for design-focused landscapes


🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Shade trees

    • Street trees

    • Orchard and structural plantings

  • Why choose Stand:

    • Clean, classic tree form

    • Easier clearance for walkways and lawns

    • Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity


🌿 Choosing the Right Size

  • If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form

  • If you want long-term structure → Stand form

  • If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Quick facts

Botanical NameNephrolepis cordifolia

Common Name: Southern Sword Fern

Plant Type: Evergreen Fern

Mature Size: 2–3 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide

Sun Exposure: Partial Shade to Bright Indirect Light

Water Needs: Moderate; more drought tolerant than Boston Fern

USDA Zones: 9–11

Growth Rate: Moderate

FAQs

Is Southern Sword Fern the same as Boston Fern?
No. While they look similar, Southern Sword Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) is more upright, tougher, and has underground tubers that improve drought tolerance.

Can this fern grow outdoors in the Bay Area?
Yes. In most Bay Area microclimates (USDA Zone 9–10), it grows well outdoors year-round in partial shade.

Is it suitable as an indoor plant?
Absolutely. It performs well indoors with bright, indirect light and regular watering.

How often should it be watered?
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, it tolerates brief dry periods better than many other ferns.

Does it spread aggressively?
In garden settings it spreads slowly by runners. Normal maintenance keeps it well-behaved in California landscapes.

Browse online or get recommendations

Shop by collection, or message us with photos and measurements of your space for tailored suggestions.

Place your order & schedule delivery

Choose your trees and preferred delivery window. Most Bay Area orders are delivered within about 10 business days, depending on routing and weather.

We deliver carefully to your property

Our drivers are trained to handle living plants, not just boxes. For many trees, we can set them in place near the planting site.

Grow with our ongoing support

You’ll receive basic care guidelines, and you can always reach out if you’re unsure about watering, fertilizing, or pruning.

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