Plants in family polypodiaceae
Pleopeltis christensenii
Pleopeltis christensenii is an epiphytic orchid found in Panama and Central America, known for its slender, elongated leaves and delicate greenish-white flowers with intricate patterns. This orchid thrives in shady, humid conditions, making it a unique addition to orchid collections. Its graceful appearance and specific growing requirements appeal to orchid enthusiasts.
Neocheiropteris ovata
Neocheiropteris ovata is an epiphytic fern native to limestone cliffs in southern China and north Vietnam. It forms a slow-spreading evergreen groundcover with 8-inch tall, thick leathery leaves, making it an excellent choice for containers or hanging baskets.
Pyrrosia lingua 'Cuspidata'
Pyrrosia lingua 'Cuspidata' is a rare form of the hairy-leaved tongue fern, known for its stubbier foliage compared to the typical Pyrrosia lingua. This evergreen fern spreads via short rhizomes and is adapted to grow on trees and rocks in nature. It prefers sloped, well-drained sites and can thrive in rich garden soil, making it a unique choice for fern enthusiasts and those looking to add texture to their garden.
Lepisorus bicolor
Lepisorus bicolor is a glossy evergreen fern native to China, India, and Nepal, found at elevations of 3,000 to 10,000 feet. It forms a 2 to 3-foot wide patch in woodland gardens and features a unique spore pattern on its leaves.
Pyrrosia lingua 'Corymbifera'
Pyrrosia lingua 'Corymbifera' is a crested form of the tongue fern, known for its dark green, cardboard-textured fronds. This evergreen plant thrives in well-drained sites on slopes, making it suitable for rock gardens and shaded areas. Its unique texture and form add interest to plant collections.
Platycerium bifurcatum ssp. willinckii
Platycerium bifurcatum ssp. willinckii is a compact variety of staghorn fern with antler-like leaves covered in silvery hairs. This tropical plant is often mounted on moss balls and is ideal for attaching to cork bark or cedar. It has a velvety texture and appears paler as it matures.
Pyrrosia lingua 'Nokogiri Ba'
Pyrrosia lingua 'Nokogiri Ba' is an evergreen fern with thick, dark green leaves that have wavy margins, giving it a unique texture. Originating from a wiry rhizome, this plant is well-suited for slopes in marginal winter climates. Its cardboard-like leaves make it a durable choice for shaded areas, and it is known for being drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. This fern is native to regions in China and Japan, adding an exotic touch to gardens.
Platycerium andinum
Platycerium andinum, known for its tall slender staghorns, features shield fronds that form crown-like tops. These fronds grow once a year in winter and can be up to 1/8th of an inch thick, making it a unique addition to any plant collection.
Pleopeltis polypodioides
Pleopeltis polypodioides, also known as the resurrection fern, is a US native suitable for shady rock gardens. It prefers very organic soil and can grow on trees, wood, or rocks, spreading via branching rhizomes. This dwarf evergreen fern has leaves that curl up when dry and rehydrate with rain, showcasing its resilience and adaptability. It is a fascinating addition to any shade garden, providing year-round interest with minimal care.
Pyrrosia lingua 'Hiryu'
Pyrrosia lingua 'Hiryu' is a unique fern with fuzzy, green, tongue-shaped leaves featuring bizarre protuberances along the edges. Typically epiphytic in the wild, it spreads by a thin, woody rhizome. This easy-to-grow plant thrives in organically rich soil and is well-suited for container gardening.
Pyrrosia petiolosa 'Taste Of China'
Pyrrosia petiolosa 'Taste Of China' is a hardy Chinese medicinal fern known for its thick, felty evergreen leaves. This spore strain grows to a mature height of 3 to 6 inches and forms a tightly clustered mass through slowly spreading rhizomes. It thrives in compost-rich garden soil and is suitable for USDA Zone 5, making it one of the hardiest species in its genus. This fern is an excellent choice for shade gardens or as a unique addition to a living wall.
Pleopeltis marginata
Pleopeltis marginata is an iridescent fern with elongated, dark green leaves that appear blue from certain angles. This graceful fern grows to about 18 inches tall and is best suited for high humidity environments, making it ideal for terrariums or tanks. Its lance-shaped fronds and spreading growth create dense foliage, adding a vibrant green color to any space. Pleopeltis marginata thrives in moderate to high humidity, making it a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts seeking a unique and visually striking fern.
Microsorum linguiforme
This epiphytic fern thrives in high humidity environments, making it ideal for terrariums and other humid settings.
Polypodium vulgare 'Ulleung Island'
Polypodium vulgare 'Ulleung Island' is an evergreen groundcover fern introduced in 2004, originating from Korea's Ulleung Island. It forms a 6-inch tall by 30-inch wide patch of medium green leaves and spreads slowly via rhizomes. This plant is deer-resistant and suitable for dry shade.
Lepisorus macrosphaerus
Lepisorus macrosphaerus is a Chinese epiphytic fern that grows on rocks and trees at elevations of 3,000 to 10,000 feet. It features 16-inch tall green ribbons and large spherical brown spore cases on the leaf backs. This fern can be grown in containers or in the ground, preferring well-aerated, compost-rich soils.
Microsorum thailandicum
Microsorum thailandicum is an iridescent fern from Thailand, known for its glossy fronds that exhibit a blue sheen. This fern thrives in shaded conditions with high humidity, preferring moist but well-draining media. Its unique appearance makes it a captivating addition to indoor plant collections, offering a touch of exotic beauty.
Platycerium ridleyi 'Dwarf'
A diminutive morph, this plant has compact, erect fronds and prominently grooved shield fronds. It is an intermediate tropical plant.
Pyrrosia lingua 'Thrombosis'
Pyrrosia lingua 'Thrombosis' is a fern with 8-inch long, upright, rigid fronds featuring dark black stipes and veins. It forms a 2-foot wide patch in 3-5 years and thrives in rich woodland soils, making it a striking addition to shaded gardens.
Pleopeltis bombycina
Pleopeltis bombycina is a fern species native to North America, known for its delicate, pinnate fronds with a silky texture. This evergreen fern thrives in rocky slopes, cliffs, and forested areas, persisting through winter in milder climates. Its unique frond structure and resilience make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add texture and interest to shaded garden areas. Pleopeltis bombycina is a low-maintenance plant that adds a touch of elegance to naturalistic landscapes.
Pyrrosia polydactyla 'Taipingshan'
Pyrrosia polydactyla 'Taipingshan' is an epiphytic fern with dark green, five-fingered felty leaves, forming a 1-foot tall clump. It can grow attached to rock walls or in regular garden soil, provided it is not too wet.
Tricholepidium buergerianum
Tricholepidium buergerianum is an epiphytic fern from Taiwan's Mt. Datun, featuring glossy, wavy green leaves. It forms a thick mass of foliage and is ideal for container planting in zone 7b climates.