- Soft, Fluffy Foliage
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light, Low Light)
- Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 5 Feet
- Pet Safe
Cotton Candy Fern is sought after for its soft and fluffy chartreuse foliage that has air-purifying qualities. Cotton Candy Fern or Nephrolepis exaltata, also goes by common names including Fluffy Ruffle Fern, Suzy Wong Fern and Sword Fern. Cotton Candy is fairly easy to grow and an attractive houseplant.
Best Locations For Growing Cotton Candy Fern
Cotton Candy Fern is happy anywhere with filtered light and moderate humidity. Its delicate cascading fronds work well in a hanging basket. Cotton Candy Fern likes warm, humid climates, being native to Central and South America, and lives happily in bathrooms. They make great container plants outdoors in partial sun. Cotton Candy Fern is not toxic to pets or humans.
Cotton Candy Fern Sunlight Requirements
Cotton Candy Fern prefers part sun or bright indirect light. Rotate Cotton Candy Fern once a week for even growth.
Cotton Candy Fern Care
Cotton Candy Ferns are moderately easy to care for. The main concern with ferns is keeping a regular watering schedule for their heavier moisture needs. It is important to keep your fern moist but not soggy. Cotton Candy prefers well-drained soil and can be repotted to encourage growth when their roots have outgrown the current pot.
Watering Cotton Candy Fern
Cotton Candy Ferns prefer warm, humid climates. Water every other day, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Boost humidity levels with humidifiers or regular misting. Do not water from above the foliage; water at soil level to directly reach the root zone. Cotton Candy Fern is sensitive to watering regimens: do not- over or under-water.
Feeding Cotton Candy Fern
Feed Cotton Candy Fern with liquid, all-purpose fertilizer twice a month.
Cotton Candy Fern Information
Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light, Low Light |
Care Requirements: Easy |
Watering Requirements: Average - Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out. |
Pet Friendly: Yes |
Kid Friendly: Yes |
Air Purifier: Low |
Habit: Upright |
Growth Rate: Fast |
Mature Height: 5 feet |
Mature Spread: 12-18 inches |
Flowering: No |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Shade/Description: Grown for Foliage |
Fragrant: No |
Foliage Type: |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Green |
Temperature: 60° - 80°F (16° - 27°C) |
Humidity: High (80%+) |
Common Name: Cotton Candy Fern |
Other Name(s): Fluffy Ruffle Fern, Suzi Wong Fern |
Scientific Name: Nephrolepis exaltata |
Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- Fern_Cotton.Candy-HP
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

2" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 2-6 months
Plant Size:
~ 2"-4"
Pot Size:
~ 1.9"H x 2"W
Volume:
~0.12–0.15 quarts

3" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 3-6 months
Plant Size:
~ 2"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 2.5"H x 3"W
Volume:
~ 0.3 quarts

4" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 5"-10"
Pot Size:
~ 3.5"H x 4"W
Volume:
~ 0.75 quarts

6" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 6-12 months
Plant Size:
~ 8"-16
Pot Size:
~ 5"H x 6"W
Volume:
~ 1.5 quarts

8" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1-2 years
Plant Size:
~ 12"-24"
Pot Size:
~ 6"H x 8"W
Volume:
~ 3 quarts

10 Pot
Plant Age:
~ 2-3 years
Plant Size:
~ 16"-36"
Pot Size:
~ 7.25"H x 10"W
Volume:
~ 4.5–5 quarts

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