Overall, the plant has an upright, bushy growth habit.
They have a fairly quick growth rate and are best planted in the spring in well-draining soil.
Fun Fact
The Kimberley queen fern is an indigenous Australian species.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
The preferred common name is sword fern.
Light
Kimberley queen ferns thrive in partial sun to lowlight conditions.
When grown indoors, they do well next to a bright window in indirect light.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Avoid harsh, direct sun as this can burn the delicate fronds.
When grown outdoors, a shaded location that receives dappled sunlight is ideal.
Soil
A rich, moist, well-draining soil mixture is ideal for Kimberley queen ferns.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
A standard potting mixture with added peat for additional drainage is sufficient.
Water
As with most ferns, this plant requires sufficient moisture to thrive.
The soil should never be allowed to dry out completely.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Note that these ferns can be sensitive to hard water.
When grown indoors, this means you should keep your fern away from any drafty or cold windows.
When grown outdoors, ensure that you bring the fern indoors if your area is expecting frost.
This species requires abundanthumidity, and the fronds will quickly turn crispy in dry environments.
Fertilizer
Abundant feeding is not required, but this fern can benefit from regular fertilization.
Wilted foliage can also be trimmed.
give a shot to avoid cutting green and healthy fronds and stick to just the weaker ones.
Sanitize your gardening shears beforehand and be mindful not to remove more than 20 percent of the fronds.
Before beginning, ensure your gardening shears or knife is well sterilized.
Take extra care of your newly planted fern over the coming weeks.
Mist the leaves every morning to keep them hydrated without waterlogging the soil.
Here’s how to grow your own Kimberley queen fern from seed.
The Kimberley queen fern does well when root bound, so it doesnt require frequent repotting.
Overwintering
If your Kimberley queen fern resides outside, you should move it inside for winter.
This should be done well before the first frost.
Simply bring it indoors and place it where it will receive indirect light.
Increase humidity around the fern by running a humidifier nearby or using a pebble tray mixed with water.
Keep away from any particularly cold or drafty areas.
Use an insecticidal soap to treat infestations.
Check humidity levels as well as your watering schedule and adjust accordingly.
The soil should be consistently moist but not overly saturated.
Increase humidity around the fern with a pebble tray or a humidifier.
Growth is Leggy
If the foliage is becoming leggy, ensure the fern is receiving adequate light.
An insufficient amount of sun could lead to sparse growth.
Check to double-check your soil is well-draining and adjust your watering schedule if needed.
The Kimberley queen is much more tolerant of sun and indoor conditions for those that overwinter.
It also grows much more rapidly.
Your fern will thrive year to year as long as you take care to overwinter it properly.
Common Houseplant Insects & Related Pests.
Clemson University Home & Garden Information Center.
King and Queen Fern.
American Society for the Prevention for Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
