Nephrolepis ‘Tiger Striped’ — Care Sheet (Tiger Fern)
Plant Name
Common names: Tiger Fern, Tiger Stripe Boston Fern
Scientific name: Nephrolepis sp. / Nephrolepis exaltata cultivar (commonly sold as ‘Tiger Striped’)Overview
Nephrolepis ‘Tiger Striped’ is a lush, fast-growing fern with eye-catching striped fronds that give it a “tiger” look. It’s one of the best ferns for creating instant jungle vibes — but like most Nephrolepis types, it thrives on consistent moisture, high humidity, and stable conditions.
This is not a “water once a week and hope” plant. Treat it right and it becomes a showstopper.
Quick Tips (Success Checklist)
🌤️ Bright indirect light (no harsh sun)
💧 Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy
🌫️ Humidity = your secret weapon (60%+ is ideal)
🌡️ Warm temperatures = faster growth
✂️ Trim old fronds regularly to keep it full
🚫 Never let it dry out completely
Key Features
Size: 30–80 cm tall (can get larger in ideal conditions)
Growth rate: Fast
Growth habit: Arching fronds, clumping; spreads via runners
Special feature: Distinctive tiger-like striping on fronds
Suitable Environments
✅ Houseplant (bright indoor spot)
✅ Open terrarium / plant shelf
✅ Shaded patio (frost-free)
✅ Greenhouse / tunnel
⚠️ Closed terrarium: Possible only if airflow is good (can get fungal issues if stagnant)
🚫 Aquarium / submerged: Not suitable
Soil / Substrate
Nephrolepis prefers a moisture-retentive but airy mix.
Ideal fern mix:
40% coco peat or peat-based medium
30% perlite / pumice
20% fine bark or coco chips
10% compost / worm castings
Important:
The mix must drain well, but must also not dry too fast.
Light
Ideal: Bright indirect light
Tolerates: Medium light
Avoid: Harsh direct sun (burns fronds quickly)
Low light: slower growth + less striping intensity
Temperature
Absolute low: ~8–10°C (short periods only)
Ideal range: 18–28°C
Best growth: 20–28°C
Protect from cold drafts and winter window chill.
Humidity
Minimum: ~45–50% (but tips may brown)
Ideal humidity: 60–90%
In dry air, this fern will crisp fast — especially on leaf tips.
Watering
Keep it evenly moist.
Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil feels slightly dry
Never allow the pot to dry out fully
Ensure excess water drains away (no standing water)
Best practice:
Use a pot with good drainage + water thoroughly.
Feeding / Fertiliser
Nephrolepis responds extremely well to gentle feeding.
Botaniqra recommendation:
Botaniqra VegForce (Leaf Boost) — light, consistent feeding during growth
Botaniqra RootForce (Plant Starter) — helpful after repotting or when establishing
Feeding schedule:
Spring/Summer: feed lightly every 2–3 weeks
Winter: reduce to monthly or stop if growth slows
Propagation
Very easy:
Division of clumps during repotting
Runners (stolons): can be pinned into a nearby pot to root
Common Problems
Brown tips
➡️ Low humidity, dry soil, or salt buildup.
Fix: increase humidity + flush soil monthly.
Fronds turning pale/yellow
➡️ Underfeeding, low light, or soggy roots.
Fronds collapsing / blackening at base
➡️ Overwatering + poor drainage (root rot).
Pests
Common: spider mites, mealybugs, scale.
(Spider mites love dry indoor air.)
Buying Advice (What to Expect)
After moving to a new environment, Nephrolepis may:
drop a few older fronds
show temporary tip browning
This is normal adjustment. With stable moisture + humidity, it quickly bounces back and fills out.