Can Sword Ferns Take Full Sun?

Western Sword Ferns are plants that tend to grow in shadier regions under the canopy of other plants. As this is the case they prefer not to receive direct sunlight. Full sun can scorch the fronts of Western Sword Ferns and will damage the plant. If you have no other option then your plant should still be able to grow depending on the region you live in. If you live in Northern Europe then under full sun your fern should still grow even though its growth won’t be optimal. However if you live in Southern Europe or places with a similar climate then chances are your Western Sword Fern will not grow under full sun.

Even though they can grow under sun, the ideal growing conditions for your Western Sword Fern require bright indirect to shaded light. If you are planting this fern outside then try to plant it underneath the protection of other plants. If you have tall trees or bushes then you can plant your ferns in the soil below them.

If they are being grown outdoors then the next question you need to ask is do Sword Ferns spread?

If you are growing your Western Sword Fern inside then this might be easier to control. Try to avoid south facing windows with your fern so that it doesn’t receive full sun. If you have no choice and the only windows in your home face south then try moving your fern further into the room away from the window. Or if that isn’t an option then why not see if you find a sheer curtain to block out some of the harsher rays of the sun and protect your plants.

Some of the common mistakes people make when looking after plants if thinking my plant needs lots of light and lots of water. People then tend to place their plants in direct sunlight regardless of the species of plant and over water them. In fact most people’s first plants die from overwatering than underwatering.

Plants need less care than you think and often need less light than you think as well. When placing your fern in your home don’t worry about pulling it back away from the window and if you notice that it isn’t doing to well you can just move it closer at a later date. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the placement of your plants. They are more resilient than you think.

So can sword ferns take full sun? Maybe yes but let’s try and give them the growing conditions they deserve.

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