Light. It grows in deep shade and can also grow well in sun. Salty wind can burn the fronds.
Water. Water often while it establishes, and keep the soil moist. It has low drought tolerance and does poorly in long dry spells. Yellowing fronds can mean overwatering.
Soil and feeding. It grows in sandy, limestone or organic soils. It survives poor soil but needs some organic matter in the top layer to thrive.
Size. Grows to about 3 ft here; in moist shade fronds can reach 6–8 ft. It spreads by runners into large masses.
Problems to watch. The Florida fern caterpillar is the main pest, and fern scale also occurs. Diseases are seldom a problem.
Good to know. A Florida native of swamps and moist hammocks, listed as threatened in Florida. It is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Sources: Natives for Your Neighborhood (Institute for Regional Conservation): Nephrolepis biserrata · NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Nephrolepis biserrata · Florida Native Plant Society Plant Database: Nephrolepis biserrata
