Plants in family polypodiaceae
Leptochilus pteropus ssp. pteropus 'Needle'
Leptochilus pteropus 'Needle' is an adaptable aquatic plant with long, narrow leaves that can reach up to 10 inches in length. It grows slowly, reaching a height of about 8 inches, and thrives in low to moderate light conditions. This plant does not require CO2 supplementation and can be attached to driftwood or rocks in aquariums. Regular fertilization is recommended to maintain its health, and care should be taken not to bury its rhizome to prevent rot.
Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodile Fern'
Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodile Fern' is a unique fern with long, leathery leaves that resemble a crocodile's back. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity, making it ideal for bathrooms or other moist environments. This plant's distinctive appearance and adaptability to indoor conditions make it a popular choice for houseplant enthusiasts. Its preference for humid conditions highlights its suitability for tropical-themed indoor gardens.
Leptochilus pteropus ssp. pteropus
The Leptochilus pteropus, a type of epiphytic aquarium plant, is known for its resilience and adaptability, making it a popular choice for aquarists. Originating from Indonesia, this plant features bright green, narrow, fork-like leaves that can grow between 3 to 12 inches tall. It thrives in low light conditions and can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. This plant is particularly hardy, making it suitable for beginners, and does not require CO2 injection, although it benefits from it. The plant can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or other decorations, and its rhizomes should be kept above the substrate to prevent rot. It propagates by cutting or pulling apart rhizomes, and the presence of dots on the underside of its leaves is normal. Despite its slow to moderate growth rate, it provides excellent cover for fish and shrimp in aquariums. The Leptochilus pteropus is also resistant to herbivorous fish, adding to its appeal as a low-maintenance aquarium plant.
Microgramma nitida
Microgramma nitida is a fern native to Mexico and Central America, characterized by its flat, thin green fronds and creeping rhizome. It prefers moderate, indirect light and high humidity, making it ideal for terrariums and indoor plant collections.
Pyrrosia piloselloides
Pyrrosia piloselloides is a cool micro fern native to Southeast Asia and Malaysia, known for its waxy green fronds. It spreads via a creeping rhizome and can grow both epiphytically and as a ground sprawler. This fern prefers moderate, indirect light and high humidity, thriving in moist soil or sphagnum moss. Its slow growth makes it ideal for small terrariums or as a tropical houseplant. The plant's adaptability to different growing conditions and its unique spreading habit make it an interesting addition to any plant collection.
Lemmaphyllum microphyllum
Lemmaphyllum microphyllum is a small, semi-succulent fern native to Japan, India, Korea, and Vietnam. It can grow epiphytically or as a ground sprawler, preferring moderate, indirect light and high humidity. This fern thrives in moist soil or sphagnum moss, making it ideal for terrariums or humid environments.
Platycerium bifurcatum
Platycerium bifurcatum, commonly known as the staghorn fern, is an epiphytic plant native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Australia. It features heart-shaped sterile fronds and arching grey-green fertile fronds that resemble stag horns or antlers. This fern thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, making it a popular ornamental plant.
Microgramma reptans
Microgramma reptans is an epiphytic fern native to Central and South America, including Ecuador. It features flat, thin green fronds and spreads via a creeping rhizome. The plant grows well in moderate, indirect light and high humidity, making it suitable for terrariums and as a ground sprawler.
Lecanopteris sinuosa
Lecanopteris sinuosa is a fern from the genus Lecanopteris, known for its mutualistic relationship with stingless ants. The ants rear larvae within the rhizome, providing the plant with nutrients and protection. This unique plant is found in various habitats across Southeast Asia.
Microgramma lycopodioides
Microgramma lycopodioides is a micro fern native to regions like Ecuador, Panama, and Madagascar. It features flat, thin green fronds and spreads via a creeping rhizome. This slow-growing fern thrives in moderate, indirect light and high humidity, making it suitable for terrariums or as a ground cover.
Microsorum musifolium
Microsorum musifolium is a tropical fern that can grow up to 5 feet tall, thriving in vivariums, paludariums, and terrariums. It prefers rich, moist soil and a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is ideal for humid and shady locations.
Microgramma squamulosa
Microgramma squamulosa is an epiphytic fern endemic to Brazil, known for its creeping stem with clear node and internode distinctions. Its fronds have a reptilian or scaled appearance, adding elegance to shaded areas. This fern is popular for terrariums and as an ornamental houseplant, requiring bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Microgramma piloselloides
Microgramma piloselloides is an epiphytic fern native to the tropical and subtropical Americas. It features finely divided, feathery fronds with hair-like structures and climbs vertically along trees or rocks. This fern adds a unique texture to any plant collection.
Platycerium bifurcatum 'Netherlands'
Platycerium bifurcatum 'Netherlands' is an easy-to-grow plant that can be cultivated indoors or outdoors in mild climates. It prefers low to medium light and high humidity, with the soil allowed to dry out between waterings. This plant is a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of greenery to their home or garden with minimal effort.
Pyrrosia lingua
Pyrrosia lingua, or the Japanese tongue fern, features leathery, tongue-shaped leaves with a fuzzy texture. This evergreen fern prefers growing on slopes or vertical surfaces and thrives in low to medium light conditions, making it a versatile choice for shaded gardens or as a houseplant.
Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodile'
Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodile' is a tropical fern with leaves that resemble crocodile skin, native to Southeast Asia and parts of Australia. It thrives in humid environments and is a very slow grower, capable of reaching up to 5 feet in height. This plant is perfect for adding a touch of the exotic to indoor spaces.
Phlebodium areolatum
Phlebodium areolatum is a fern with glaucous leaves resembling a snow mitt and red-haired rhizomes that lay on top of the soil. It prefers moist soils and sloping sites, making it suitable for shaded garden areas.
Leptochilus pteropus ssp. pteropus 'Trident'
Leptochilus pteropus ssp. pteropus 'Trident' is an aquatic fern from Southeast Asia with tripartite leaves. It can be attached to driftwood, stone, or decor, and grows slowly without the need for a nutrient substrate. This easy-care plant thrives in medium to high lighting conditions.
Pyrrosia hastata
Pyrrosia hastata, commonly known as the felt fern, is an evergreen plant with black-brown stipes and three-lobed, felty leaves. It is a tight clumper compared to other Pyrrosia species and can grow in loose organic soil or as an epiphyte. This fern prefers dry soils and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.
Pyrrosia porosa
Pyrrosia porosa, commonly known as the tongue fern, is native to regions from India to the Philippines. It grows on tree trunks at elevations between 3,000 and 8,500 feet, featuring thick, dark green, evergreen fronds with a brown indumentum on the leaf back. This fern is suitable for well-draining slopes or as a pot specimen, thriving in part sun to shade. Its adaptability and unique appearance make it a popular choice for tropical and subtropical gardens.
Platycerium ridleyi
Platycerium ridleyi is a smaller form of staghorn fern with impressive, frilly leaves and a leaf shield. It is often mounted on a moss ball (kokedama) and features antler-like fronds. This epiphytic plant is an intermediate tropical species, making it a stunning addition to any botanical collection.
Microgramma tecta
Microgramma tecta is a small fern native to Ecuador, spreading via a creeping rhizome. It grows epiphytically and as a ground sprawler, requiring moderate, indirect light and high humidity. This slow-growing plant is ideal for terrariums and moist environments.
Microgramma heterophylla
Microgramma heterophylla is a microfern with very small fronds that spreads via a creeping rhizome. It can grow epiphytically or as a ground sprawler and prefers moderate, indirect light and high humidity. This plant benefits from moist soil or sphagnum moss for rooting, making it suitable for terrariums.
Microsorum diversifolium
This Australian fern has long, indented, dark green leaves with a glossy shine. It is suitable for indoor environments and prefers indirect light and moisture.
Lemmaphyllum microphyllum 'Shi Shi'
Lemmaphyllum microphyllum 'Shi Shi' is a slow-growing fern native to China, characterized by glossy, heart-shaped fronds. It thrives in moderate, indirect light and high humidity, making it an excellent choice for terrariums and indoor gardens.
Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star'
Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star' is a fern known for its large, pinnatifid fronds that vary in color from bright to glaucous green. This plant thrives in low light and is an excellent air purifier, making it a popular choice for indoor environments. Its undulate margins and pet-friendly nature add to its appeal.
Pyrrosia polydactyla
Pyrrosia polydactyla, an evergreen tongue fern from Taiwan, is known for its unique clump of felty, five-fingered dark green leaves. It is ideal for woodland gardens and containers, performing best on moderate to steep slopes. This fern is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a resilient choice for various garden settings.
Lepisorus pseudoussuriensis
Lepisorus pseudoussuriensis is a narrow-leaf, epiphytic fern introduced in 2021, originally collected from Taiwan. It grows in rock cracks near high-altitude waterfalls and forms an 18-inch wide clump. The dark green fronds are pencil-thin and 6 inches long, thriving in light shade to shade conditions.
Pyrrosia serpens
Pyrrosia serpens is a fern with flat, thick green fronds covered in small white hairs. It spreads via a creeping rhizome and can grow both epiphytically and as a ground sprawler. This slow-growing plant thrives in moderate, indirect light and high humidity, making it ideal for terrariums.