Macho ferns (Nephrolepis biserrata) are beautiful large ferns that grow well both indoors and outdoors. Native to Florida, these ferns are characterized by bold, bright green fronds that can grow up to 3 to 4 feet long, dwarfing other common fern varieties such as Boston Ferns and Kimberly Ferns. Macho ferns are ideal plants for large outdoor urns or planters, or for that spacious room in your home that needs a splash of green. While they are not particularly delicate ferns, macho ferns do require a specific set of growing conditions in order to thrive.
If you are familiar with caring for other types of ferns, caring for the macho fern is not much different. Macho ferns thrive in warm, shady conditions with consistent moisture and are typically found growing naturally near swamps and other wet sites throughout the Southern United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. This bold fern grows nicely both indoors and outdoors and is generally a low-fuss plant that is easy to maintain. Although for those who tend to under-water their plants, the macho fern probably is not for you!
Indoors, macho ferns do best in medium to bright gentle light, but can also tolerate low light locations. Use a sheer curtain to diffuse harsh sunlight and protect your macho fern from any direct sunlight in your home.
