Crocodile ferns are epiphytic ferns named for the markings on their lengthy, lance-shaped fronds. The crisscrossed veins on their vivid inexperienced foliage resemble the scaly pores and skin of a crocodile. Although they’re native to the jungles of Malaysia, crocodile ferns are common indoor vegetation in temperate climates.
Crocodile ferns desire heat temperatures, excessive humidity, and brilliant, oblique gentle. Here is the way to assist this plant thrive in your house.
| Widespread Identify | Crocodile fern |
| Botanical Identify | Microsorum musifolium |
| Household | Polypodiaceae |
| Plant Sort | Herbaceous, perennial |
| Mature Measurement | 2-3 ft. tall and broad |
| Solar Publicity | Partial |
| Soil Sort | Wealthy, moist, well-drained |
| Soil pH | Acidic, impartial |
| Hardiness Zones | 10-11 (USDA) |
| Native Space | Malaysia |
Crocodile Fern Care
Listed here are the primary care necessities for crocodile fern:
- Put in a spot with brilliant, oblique gentle.
- Plant in a well-drained potting combine.
- Water to maintain the soil evenly moist.
- Fertilize month-to-month with diluted houseplant fertilizer.
Need extra gardening suggestions? Join our free gardening e-newsletter for our best-growing suggestions, troubleshooting hacks, and extra!
Gentle
Like many ferns, crocodile ferns develop greatest with brilliant, oblique gentle that mimics their pure habitat of forest flooring or rising as an epiphyte on tree trunks under the cover.
Put this plant in a north-facing or east-facing window, or a number of ft from a south-facing or west-facing window. Be certain it stays out of direct daylight, which may burn the leaves and injury the plant.
Soil
Plant crocodile fern in a unfastened, well-drained potting combine that holds moisture. You should use commonplace houseplant potting combine with just a few handfuls of orchid bark added, or make your personal combine by combining two elements peat moss or coco coir, one half perlite, and one half orchid bark.
Water
Water your crocodile fern to maintain the soil evenly moist however not soggy in the course of the spring and summer time. As an alternative of watering on a set schedule, recurrently verify the soil moisture and water when the floor has simply begun to dry out.
Within the fall and winter, in the reduction of on watering and permit the soil to just about dry out earlier than watering once more.
Temperature and Humidity
Crocodile ferns desire temperatures between 65°F and 75°F with a relative humidity of no less than 50 %. Temperatures ought to by no means drop under 50°F, which is just too chilly for this plant.
To extend the moisture within the air round your crocodile fern, group it along with different tropical vegetation or run a small humidifier close by.
Fertilizer
Feed crocodile fern with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half power as soon as per thirty days within the spring and summer time. Begin fertilizing while you first see new development in early spring and proceed till fall. Cease fertilizing in the course of the chilly months.
Propagating Crocodile Fern
The best strategy to propagate crocodile fern is by dividing a mature plant. The most effective time to do that is in spring or summer time in the course of the plant’s energetic development interval.
Earlier than you start, collect recent potting combine, small plant pots, clear pruners or scissors, and non-compulsory gardening gloves. Here is the way to propagate crocodile fern.
- Take away the mature plant from its pot and study the basis ball. Look at the roots of the plant to determine pure divisions. Every division ought to have a number of leaves connected to its personal wholesome root system.
- Gently pull the divisions aside on the crown of the plant together with your fingers. If vital, use scissors or pruners to chop aside cussed roots.
- Fill a plant pot for every division midway with recent potting combine. Plant every division in a pot, including potting combine in order that the soil floor hits the identical place as the unique planting.
- Water the divisions totally and put them in a heat place with brilliant, oblique gentle.
- Look after the divisions as ordinary. You will know they’ve established of their new pot while you see new fronds rising.
Vegetation You Would possibly Additionally Like
1 of 3
FAQ
-
Opposite to common perception, misting would not meaningfully elevate humidity for houseplants. To extend the humidity round your crocodile fern, group it along with a number of different houseplants to create a microclimate or run a small humidifier close by.
-
Sure. With fundamental care and the right circumstances, crocodile fern is a low-maintenance houseplant.
-
No. These vegetation could have some similarities in look, however they’re in several plant households.