Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Cotton Candy’ Care Sheet 🌿🍬
Common name: Cotton Candy Fern
Plant type: Tropical fern
Growth habit: Arching, bushy fronds forming a lush clump
🌞 Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light 💡
Can tolerate medium light but growth may slow
Avoid direct sun — fronds will burn 🔥
Indoors: Near east- or north-facing windows 🪟
Outdoors: Filtered shade only 🌳
💧 Water
Keep the soil consistently moist, never soggy 💦
Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil feels dry
Avoid letting the roots sit in water — root rot develops fast ⚠️
Tip: Mist occasionally for extra humidity 💧🌿
💨 Humidity
Loves high humidity (60–80%) 🌫️
Performs well in bathrooms, kitchens, or terrariums 🚿
Ideal for open terrariums with good airflow 🌱
In dry indoor air, use a pebble tray or humidifier 💦
🌡️ Temperature
Best range: 18–28°C 🌞
Growth slows below 15°C ❄️
Protect from drafts and cold windows
Not frost tolerant
🪴 Soil / Growing Medium
Use a well-draining, moisture-retentive mix:
Potting soil + peat or coco coir 🌿
Add perlite for aeration ✅
Soil should hold moisture but never stay soggy.
🌱 Feeding
Fertilize lightly during active growth (spring–summer) 🌸
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at ¼–½ strength every 2–4 weeks 💦
Stop or reduce feeding in winter ❌
Too much fertilizer → brown tips on fronds.
✂️ Pruning & Maintenance
Remove brown or dead fronds to encourage new growth ✨
Can be divided in spring for propagation 🌱
Mist occasionally for frond softness and vibrant appearance 💧
🔄 Propagation
Best by dividing the root clump 🌱
Can also propagate from pups or plantlets
Keep divisions in moist soil until established 🪴
⚠️ Common Problems
Brown frond tips: Dry air or underwatering 🌬️💦
Yellowing fronds: Overwatering or poor drainage 💧
Pests: Spider mites and scale in dry indoor conditions 🕷️
🐾 Toxicity
✅ Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Safe for homes with pets and children.
🌟 Best Uses
Lush indoor greenery 🏠
Open terrariums 🌿
Living shelves, hanging baskets, and tabletops 🪴
Adds texture and softness to plant displays ✨
Summary:
Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Cotton Candy’ is a soft, bushy fern with arching fronds 🌿🍬. Keep it moist, provide bright indirect light, and high humidity — it will reward you with a lush, cotton-candy-like display that brightens any space. 💚