Jester Crown Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata), 4-Inch Pot

Jester Crown fern (Nephrolepis obliterata) layers arching green fronds into a soft, leafy crown. It makes a fresh accent on a shelf or tabletop while young, with room to spread as it grows. Frond length and fullness vary naturally from plant to plant.

Points of interest and size

• One live Jester Crown fern in a 4-inch nursery grow pot.
• A young plant when shipped. With time and suitable conditions, it can form a much fuller clump, potentially around 2–3 feet wide; indoor size depends on care and space.

What you receive

One live Jester Crown fern in its 4-inch nursery grow pot. Decorative planters and furnishings are not included.

Optional decorative planters

Style your plant with the black BASEL 4.7-inch planter or the white BASEL 4.7-inch planter. Decorative planters are sold separately and are not included with the plant.

Care guide

• Light: Bright filtered to medium indirect light. Avoid hot direct afternoon sun that can burn fronds.
• Water: Keep the mix evenly, lightly moist, not waterlogged. Check when the surface begins to dry and water thoroughly, letting excess drain. Avoid letting the root ball dry completely.
• Soil: Use an airy, moisture-retentive but well-draining fern or houseplant mix in a pot with drainage holes. Ready to repot? Shop our Rich Houseplant Soil Blend, hand-blended in small batches and sold separately. Maintain an airy texture and even moisture without keeping the roots soggy.
• Humidity and temperature: Moderate to higher humidity helps keep fronds from crisping. A humidifier or naturally humid room can help; keep away from cold drafts and hot, dry vents. An exact 80% humidity level and daily misting are not required.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active spring and summer growth with a balanced slow-release houseplant fertilizer according to its label directions. Shop our 2 oz Slow-Release Fertilizer for Houseplants & Succulents, sold separately. Reduce or pause feeding in winter, and skip feeding while growth is paused or during extreme heat or cold.
• Pruning: Snip fully brown or damaged fronds near the base with clean scissors; avoid cutting healthy emerging growth.
• Repotting: When roots crowd the pot, move up one size in fresh airy mix and retain the original crown depth.
• Propagation: Established clumps may be divided at repotting, keeping roots and fronds on each division; young starter plants should be allowed to fill out first.

Pet safety

Nephrolepis ferns are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.