Macho ferns thrive in warm, shady conditions with consistent moisture and acidic soil.
They grow well both outdoors and indoors.
Light
When grown outdoors, macho ferns should be placed in ashady or partly shadedlocation.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
They are frequently grown in large planters under covered porches or in the shade of an outdoor patio.
Indoors, macho ferns do best in medium to brightindirect lightbut also tolerate low-light locations.
Water
Ensure that the soil around your macho fern stays consistently moist, but not wet.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Macho ferns are not drought tolerant so the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely.
Temperature and Humidity
Macho ferns grow year-round inUSDA zones9 and 10.
They enjoy warm, humid conditions.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Pruning
Gently prune a macho fern when looks like many fronds are dropping.
Cut all fronds back by 2 inches for a refresh and to shape the plant.
Propagating Macho Ferns
Healthy, mature macho ferns are best propagated by division in the spring.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Macho ferns tolerate being moderately root-bound but appreciate regular repotting to provide them with extra space.
Overwintering
Below USDA zone 9, the fern needs to beoverwintered indoors.
Any time you are bringing outdoor plants indoors apply a precautionary pest treatment to avoid bringing pests inside.
The fern goes into dormancy during the winter.
As it wont actively grow, it will require less water.
Adjust the watering frequency but verify the soil never dries out.
Take note of the following signs.
Yellowing Leaves
Your fern may be overwatered if it is showing yellowing leaves.
Overwatered ferns tend to shed their leaves, as well.
Dropping Leaves
The macho fern is notorious for heavy leaf drop.
This is normal but it requires constant clean-up.
However, the fern may be dropping leaves due to inadequate light or watering.
Macho ferns can grow in both sun or shade but these plants prefer shadier spots.
Direct full sun will likely scorch their leaves.
Remove old, faded fronds but it is not required to cut back macho ferns.
If desired, cut all fronds back by 2 inches to regenerate and shape the fern.
Florida Plant Collecting, Transport Regulations & Permitting.University of Florida Herbarium.
Fern Macho.Texas Master Gardener, Henderson County Master Gardener Association.
Nephrolepis Exalta Boston Fern, Sword Fern.
University of Florida IFAS Extension.
