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An Australian Sword Fern does not have the dramatic droop of a Boston fern nor the delicate fiddlenecks of a maidenhair, but it offers something those prima donnas cannot match: upright, architecturally rigid fronds that hold their shape for weeks and tolerate the drier air of a heated home without turning into a brown crisp. The secret is in the leaves — thick, leathery, and sword-shaped — which store moisture more efficiently than the lacy fronds of other common ferns, making this the right choice when you want a fern that actually looks good after a week of forgetting to mist it.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I have spent years comparing the hardiness data, frond density metrics, and soil-moisture tolerances of dozens of fern species, studying owner-reported success rates across different humidity zones to separate the genuinely adaptable houseplants from the ones that die inside a shipping box.
This guide evaluates the five best live fern options currently available for indoor growers who want the classic fern silhouette without the constant humidity panic. If you are looking for the best australian sword fern for your home, the reviews below break down which specimens ship well, root quickly, and maintain their color through the winter months.
How To Choose The Best Australian Sword Fern
The term “Australian Sword Fern” is used loosely in the nursery trade, often interchanged with the Boston fern or the common sword fern (Nephrolepis exaltata). A true Australian Sword Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) has distinct, nearly erect fronds with closely spaced, blunt-tipped leaflets that lie flat in a single plane. Before you add one to your cart, understand the variables that separate a plant that thrives from one that arrives as a pile of brown stems.
Frond Structure and Rigidity
The defining feature of a sword fern is the leaflet arrangement. Look for fronds where the individual pinnae (leaflets) are stiff, leathery, and angled slightly upward — not drooping downward like a Boston fern. A plant labeled “sword fern” that shows cascading fronds is almost certainly a Boston fern mislabeled for marketing purposes. The rigid frond of Nephrolepis cordifolia remains upright in a pot for weeks without staking, which makes it a better choice for high-traffic areas where a brushing passerby would damage a softer fern.
Root Mass and Pot Density
Ferns sold in 4-inch or 6-inch nursery pots often have a single division stuffed into the container to create a full appearance. Gently lift the plant from its pot at the nursery (or inspect the bottom drainage holes online) — a mature root system should fill the container without circling excessively. A pot that is all leaf with a wispy root system will struggle to acclimate to your home environment and may shed half its fronds within the first two weeks.
Shipping Readiness and Acclimation
Ferns shipped in cold weather or held in dark warehouses develop ethylene damage that shows up as yellowing lower fronds within days of arrival. Sellers that use insulated packaging, heat packs (in winter), and overnight shipping preserve the dark green color that indicates a healthy plant. Avoid vendors that ship ferns in unsealed bags with wet paper towels — bare-root shipments with exposed roots dry out fast and rarely recover the dense frond canopy that makes the sword fern appealing.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Farms Boston Fern | Mid-Range | Full 24-inch tall decoration | 24-inch expected height | Amazon |
| BubbleBlooms Button Fern | Mid-Range | Compact desks & shelves | 4-inch nursery pot | Amazon |
| Two Rabbit’s Foot Fern | Premium | Unique display & gifting | 4-inch pots, sandy soil | Amazon |
| BubbleBlooms Fern Assortment | Premium | Exploring multiple fern types | Six 2-inch pixie pots | Amazon |
| Boston Ferns in 6 Inch Pot | Budget | Budget entry-level fern | 6-inch pot, organic | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Costa Farms Boston Fern
Costa Farms ships this as a Boston fern, but the dense, upright growth habit and thick leaflets place it squarely in the sword-fern camp. The 24-inch height upon delivery means you are getting a mature plant with a full canopy, not a starter cutting. The plastic nursery pot measures 6 inches across, which provides enough room for the root ball to expand during the first six months without requiring an immediate repot.
Moisture needs are listed as regular watering, and the plant arrives with the soil adequately damp — not soggy — which is critical because sword ferns rot at the crown if kept wet. The air-purification claim is documented: Nephrolepis ferns are among the top species for removing formaldehyde and xylene from indoor air, and the high leaf surface area of this 24-inch specimen makes it effective for a room up to 150 square feet.
One caveat: the plant ships year-round, but if you order during freezing weather, the unheated transit time can damage frond tips. Costa Farms uses standard cardboard packaging without insulation, so consider a winter purchase only if your local temperatures stay above 32°F during delivery.
What works
- Mature 24-inch height gives instant presence and full frond canopy from day one.
- Regular watering schedule works with standard household routines, no misting required.
- Air-purifying capacity verified by NASA studies on Nephrolepis species.
What doesn’t
- Labeled as Boston fern, not sword fern, which confuses buyers seeking the exact species.
- Standard cardboard packaging lacks insulation for cold-weather shipping zones.
2. BubbleBlooms Button Fern
This is a Pellaea rotundifolia — known commonly as the button fern — which is not a true sword fern but shares the same rigid, upright frond structure and leathery leaf texture that sword fern buyers appreciate. The round, button-like leaflets are darker green and thicker than typical Nephrolepis foliage, making this an excellent choice for low-humidity rooms where other ferns would crisp at the edges.
The 4-inch pot is ideal for desk, shelf, or windowsill placement where a 24-inch fern would overwhelm the space. BubbleBlooms sources from local growers, which reduces shipping stress, and the plant arrives in a standard nursery container with the root ball intact. The moisture needs are listed as “little to no watering” — this is accurate only if the pot has good drainage; in practice, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, which will be about every 7 to 10 days.
This fern does not produce blossoms (no Nephrolepis does), but the unique round leaf shape adds visual texture that contrasts well with broad-leaf plants like pothos or philodendron. Keep it in bright indirect light, and avoid direct afternoon sun, which can bleach the dark green color to a pale yellow within two weeks.
What works
- Round, leathery leaflets resist browning in dry indoor air better than lacy ferns.
- Compact 4-inch pot fits small spaces without overwhelming a desk or shelf.
- Grower-sourced plants reduce transit stress compared to mass warehouse fulfillment.
What doesn’t
- Not a true sword fern; leaf shape and growth habit differ from Nephrolepis cordifolia.
- Slow grower — expect only 2 to 3 new fronds per month in average home conditions.
3. Two White Rabbit’s Foot Fern
The Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia) is a completely different genus from Nephrolepis, but it earns a spot here because it mimics the upright, sword-like frond silhouette while adding the distinctive fuzzy rhizomes that creep over the pot edge — a feature that fern collectors prize. The two-pack provides immediate fullness for a single larger pot or two separate display locations.
Jm Bamboo ships these in organic soil mix with moderate watering instructions, and the roots arrive well-established in the 4-inch containers. The preferred soil type is sandy — a mix that drains quickly and prevents the crown rot that plagues ferns in heavy potting soil. Full sun exposure is specified, but that applies to the outdoor growing zone; indoors, bright indirect light is sufficient to maintain the rich green color.
The fuzzy white rhizomes are the main draw here, but they are also the plant’s Achilles’ heel — they dry out quickly in low humidity and turn brown, which stops the plant from anchoring to the soil surface. If you run a humidifier at 50% or higher, these ferns produce new fronds steadily. In a dry office, the rhizomes will stall, and the fronds will lose their rigidity.
What works
- Two established plants for the price of one, doubling the display potential immediately.
- Organic sandy soil mix ensures fast drainage and reduces root rot risk.
- Fuzzy rhizomes add a textural element that standard ferns lack.
What doesn’t
- Requires 50%+ ambient humidity to keep rhizomes active — dry air stalls growth.
- Not a true sword fern; fronds are more delicate and less rigid than Nephrolepis.
4. BubbleBlooms Fern Variety Assortment
This assortment includes six different fern species in 2-inch “pixie” pots, which gives you a live comparison of leaf shapes, frond textures, and growth speeds without buying six separate plants. The selection varies by season, but you can expect a mix of Nephrolepis exaltata, Pellaea, and possibly Davallia or Pteris species — all chosen by BubbleBlooms’ local growers for their strong root systems and disease-free foliage.
The small pot size (2-inch) is perfect for terrariums, vivariums, or as starter plants that you can pot up individually once they establish. The moisture needs are listed as “little to no watering,” but this applies only to the transit packaging; after arrival, each fern needs consistent moisture — not soggy — and a weekly check of the topsoil is essential. The air purification feature is generic across ferns, but the higher variety count means you cover more toxin-removal bases across multiple species.
The biggest practical concern is the 7-day warranty from BubbleBlooms. If you open the box and find wilted or yellow plants, inspect and photograph them immediately and contact the seller. This short warranty window is standard for live plants that degrade quickly, but it demands prompt action on your part.
What works
- Six different fern species in one purchase provides a curated comparison collection.
- 2-inch pots are ideal for terrarium builders and vivarium setups.
- Local grower sourcing reduces the likelihood of disease from centralized warehouses.
What doesn’t
- Exact fern species are not guaranteed per season, making repeat purchases unpredictable.
- 7-day warranty is short; failure to inspect immediately voids replacement options.
5. Boston Ferns in 6 Inch Pot
This generic-brand Boston fern is the most affordable single-plant option on the list, and the 6-inch pot size is larger than the 4-inch pots found at the same price point from specialty sellers. The organic material feature is a plus if you prefer to avoid synthetic fertilizers in your potting mix, and the USDA Hardiness Zone 3 rating means the plant can survive cold winters if moved outdoors during the growing season.
Partial sun exposure is recommended, which mirrors the sword fern’s preference for bright indirect light. The included plant hanger is a thoughtful addition for hanging baskets, though the hanger itself is basic plastic and may not support the weight of a fully watered 6-inch pot long-term — consider replacing it with a metal or rope hanger after the first month.
The main trade-off is the lack of species specificity. This is sold as a “shrub and hedge” plant type, which suggests the seller is using a broad category label rather than targeting fern collectors specifically. The fronds may be softer and more cascading than a true sword fern, but for the price, it is a valid entry point for someone who wants a green living plant without strict species requirements.
What works
- Large 6-inch pot for a very low price per volume of soil and plant mass.
- Organic material composition reduces chemical exposure for sensitive households.
- USDA Zone 3 hardiness allows outdoor summer placement in colder regions.
What doesn’t
- Generic labeling and broad plant type category make exact species identification impossible.
- Fronds tend to be softer and more cascading, lacking the rigid sword-like structure.
- Included plastic hanger is too flimsy for long-term weight support.
Hardware & Specs Guide
True Sword Fern vs. Impostors
A genuine Australian Sword Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) features erect fronds that grow straight up before arching slightly at the tip. The leaflets are smooth-edged, evenly spaced, and angled upward from the rachis (central stem) at about 45 degrees. Compare this to the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), whose fronds droop downward from the pot edge and have leaflets that curl under at the edges. If a seller lists “Boston fern” with an image showing upright fronds, the photo is likely a sword fern misidentified.
Soil pH and Pot Depth
Sword ferns prefer a soil pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 (slightly acidic) and a pot depth of at least 6 inches to accommodate the vertically growing rhizome system. A pot that is too shallow causes the rhizome to push above the soil line, exposing the tender crown to air and increasing the risk of desiccation. Mix two parts peat moss with one part perlite and one part coarse sand to replicate the loose, acidic substrate of their native Australian forest floor.
FAQ
Can I grow a sword fern in a bathroom with no windows?
Why are the tips of my sword fern fronds turning brown?
Does a sword fern need direct sunlight to thrive?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most home growers, the best australian sword fern alternative is the Costa Farms Boston Fern because it delivers a mature 24-inch specimen with the dense, upright frond habit of a sword fern at a reasonable entry price. If you want a compact fern that fits on a shelf and tolerates dry air without browning, grab the BubbleBlooms Button Fern. And for a unique two-pack with distinctive fuzzy rhizomes that spark conversation, nothing beats the Two Rabbit’s Foot Fern.