Nephrolepis falcata 'Furcans' (Fishtail Swordfern )
Botanical name: Nephrolepis falcata
Common name: Fishtail Swordfern
Cultivar: 'Furcans'
Family: Nephrolepidaceae (Formerly:Davalliaceae)
Origin: Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia
Hardiness: 35°F
Nephrolepis falcata (Fishtail Sword Fern) is a tropical fern from Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands, valued for its bold, arching fronds and ability to grow in hanging baskets or as a groundcover in shaded gardens. Its fronds are long, leathery, and divided into pinnae with a distinctive sickle-like curve, giving the plant a dramatic, architectural appearance. The fern thrives in high humidity, rich soil, and dappled light, and it is commonly cultivated indoors or in tropical landscapes. It is hardy in USDA Zones 10-11, where it remains evergreen, and should be protected from frost, as temperatures below 35F can cause damage.
'Furcans', commonly called the Fishtail Fern, is a well-known cultivar distinguished by its forked pinnae, where each leaflet splits into two rounded tips resembling a fishtail. This unusual feature gives the plant a lush and textured look, making it especially popular for ornamental containers and hanging baskets.
