Nephrolepis obliterata

Common Names

Kimberly Queen Fern, Australian Sword Fern, Kimberley Queen Fern, Sword Fern

Summary

Kimberly Queen Fern, also called Australian Sword Fern, is an evergreen fern native to Australia. It forms an upright, bushy clump with sword-shaped fronds, typically about 2–3 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide. The plant tolerates partial shade to filtered light and thrives in rich, well-draining soil kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Hardy in USDA zones 9–11 and frost-sensitive, it works well as a houseplant or outdoor specimen in warm climates. Noted for air-purifying qualities, it thrives with bright indirect light, high humidity, and a well-draining organic-rich mix; water deeply when the top inch of soil dries. Fertilize lightly during the growing season and repot every 2–3 years; propagation is by division. Common issues include brown tips from low humidity or inconsistent watering.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-3 feet

Spread

24 inches-4 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Sun to Partial Shade; not suited for Full Sun.

Soil Type

Well-draining, fertile, humus-rich soil, loam or sand, or peat-based potting mixes with added sand or perlite, pH 6.0–7.0

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

6.0-7.0, slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Time

Does not bloom

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Other

Growth Rate

Fairly quick growth, compact habit, reaching about 2–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Spores, Division, Cuttings