The Tiger Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Tiger’) is a popular indoor plant known for its distinctive appearance. This fern cultivar features eye-catching striped fronds that evoke its common name. Its unique variegation and manageable care make it a favored ornamental houseplant.
Understanding Your Tiger Fern
The Tiger Fern is a variegated form of the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), displaying dense, sword-shaped fronds with striking chartreuse to yellow stripes. These vibrant streaks run along the light green leaflets, creating a “tiger-striped” look. Young fronds grow upright, gradually arching gracefully as they mature, forming a bushy, clumping, or mounding shape.
Originating from tropical regions worldwide, the parent species thrives in humid, forest floor environments. The ‘Tiger’ cultivar inherits this preference for consistent moisture and high humidity, making it well-suited for indoor settings. Its aesthetic appeal and forgiving nature contribute to its popularity as an indoor plant.
Tiger Fern Care Guide
Tiger Ferns thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate fronds, leading to browning. An east or north-facing window provides ideal conditions, offering ample light without intense direct exposure.
Consistent moisture is important for Tiger Ferns, which prefer evenly moist soil that is not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while allowing the soil to dry out completely causes fronds to brown and wilt. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch.
High humidity levels benefit the Tiger Fern. Dry indoor air can lead to crispy fronds. To increase humidity, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, use a room humidifier, or mist the foliage regularly.
A well-draining, organic-rich potting mix is suitable. A blend containing peat moss, perlite, and standard potting soil provides necessary drainage and aeration while retaining moisture. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 7.0).
Tiger Ferns prefer temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Protect them from cold drafts and extreme heat, which can cause browning or yellowing of fronds.
During the growing season (spring to early fall), Tiger Ferns benefit from light fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength once a month. Avoid over-fertilizing, as ferns are sensitive to excess salts, which can lead to leaf burn.
Repotting is needed every one to two years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, usually in the spring. Select a pot one size larger. Gently remove the plant from its current container and place it in the new pot with fresh potting mix, ensuring the roots are well-spread.
Troubleshooting Tiger Fern Issues
Browning or crispy fronds often indicate insufficient humidity or underwatering. Increasing ambient humidity through misting, pebble trays, or a humidifier alleviates crispiness. Adjusting watering frequency to keep the soil consistently moist prevents desiccation.
Yellowing leaves signal overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or excessive light. If the soil is soggy, reduce watering and ensure adequate drainage. A balanced, diluted fertilizer addresses nutrient imbalances. Moving the fern to a location with bright, indirect light, away from direct sun, prevents light-related yellowing.
Leggy growth or reduced variegation points to insufficient light. Tiger Ferns require bright, indirect light to maintain their vibrant striped patterns and compact growth habit. Relocating the plant to a brighter, yet still indirect, light source improves its appearance.
Tiger Ferns may encounter common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Inspecting the undersides of fronds regularly aids early detection. For minor infestations, wiping leaves with a damp cloth or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol is effective for mealybugs and scale. Insecticidal soap or neem oil are used for more persistent pest issues.