Rumohra adiantiformis

RHS Plant Profile
leather fern

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leather fern RHS

Other common names

iron fern, leatherleaf fern

Synonyms

Aspidium cunninghamianum

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A tufted, evergreen fern to 90cm, with glossy dark green, triangular-ovate, bi- to tri-pinnate fronds that last well when cut for flower arranging

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Dryopteridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Rumohra are evergreen, rhizomatous ferns with triangular or ovate, 2 to 3-pinnate fronds of leathery texture, which last well in flower arrangements
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Temperate S Hemisphere

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass either epiphytically on bark, or in shallow pots or hanging baskets containing a proprietary orchid compost. Alternatively use a peat-free compost with the addition of extra grit for sharp drainage. Water and mist the plant regularly when in active growth and sparingly in the winter. In the growing period apply a half strength liquid fertiliser monthly. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by spores sown on the surface of peat-free compost at 21°C, or by separating rooted sections of rhizome and potting up individually

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free