A dwarf, robust, clump-forming, evergreen fern with masses of dark green, dense, sword-shaped, tripinnate fronds which are ruffled around the edges. A good air-purifying plant and ideal for terrariums and bottle gardens
0.1-0.5 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow indoors or under glass in a peat-free multipurpose compost, or a mix of 1 part loam, 2 parts sharp sand and 3 parts leaf mould in bright filtered light, with moderate to high humidity and good ventilation. During the growing season, water moderately with soft water and apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Fronds can rot if they become too wet. See Epiphytic Ferns for further advice. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice
Sow spores are 21°C (70°F) as soon as ripe, but resulting plants are unlikely to come true. Separate rooted runners in late winter or early spring
Remove any dead fronds
May be susceptible to scale insects
Generally disease-free