Macho Fern, Nephrolepis biserrata

Macho Fern, Nephrolepis biserrata

Macho Fern is a great accent plant for a part shade spot in the yard or as a specimen on a front porch or patio. The plant is as tough as the name implies and handles heat and humidity extremely well. It is a great alternative to Kimberly Queen Ferns and delivers a bolder impact. Macho Fern is native to southern Florida, Texas and parts of the gulf coast.. So if used outside it must be brought in before any danger of frost and placed in a high light location. The plant should be watered just prior to the soil drying out and misting or the use of a humidity tray will help reduce leaf drop in the home. In ideal conditions Macho Fern can reach up to four feet tall and spread just as wide.  Fertilizing over the spring and summer months will help promote growth but should be reduced in the fall and winter to allow the plant to go into a resting period.

Side view

In the three weeks since this picture the plant has doubled in size, I'll have to update the post with newer pictures.

Edit: This is the current size of the plant as of 7/26/13

Macho Fern