Polypodiaceae
Crocodile Fern: Best for Low Light
Microsorum musifolium
This fern thrives in humid environments and indirect light, requiring regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
Every 5 days
Low light
13° - 27°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Crocodile Fern?
Crocodile Fern (Microsorum musifolium) is a medium-care plant from the Polypodiaceae family. Microsorum musifolium, commonly known as the Crocodile Fern, is a lush tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and Australia. Its unique fronds, featuring a texture reminiscent of crocodile skin, are its most striking feature. With its vibrant green color and elongated, wavy shape, it is an excellen...
Crocodile Fern grows up to 90cm, with spread of 90cm, watering every 5 days, 13°C â 27°C, 60â90% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Crocodile Fern is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 10 days.
How to Care for Crocodile Fern?
TLDR: Crocodile Fern needs Low light, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between 13-27°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Crocodile Fern?
Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging. Check the soil moisture every few days and water when the top 1 inch (2-3 cm) feels dry. Increase watering frequency in warmer weather and decrease it during winter.
How Much Light Does Crocodile Fern Need?
Prefers bright to medium indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds. A spot near an east- or north-facing window is ideal.
What Is the Best Soil for Crocodile Fern?
Use a well-draining substrate rich in organic matter, such as a fern or orchid potting mix, to ensure proper aeration and moisture retention.
What Pot Should You Use for Crocodile Fern?
A pot with good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Ceramic or plastic pots are suitable, provided they have drainage holes.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 2 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Crocodile Fern and Where Does It Come From?
Microsorum musifolium, commonly known as the Crocodile Fern, is a lush tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and Australia. Its unique fronds, featuring a texture reminiscent of crocodile skin, are its most striking feature. With its vibrant green color and elongated, wavy shape, it is an excellent choice for adding an exotic and natural touch to any indoor space or shaded outdoor area.
How to Propagate Crocodile Fern?
Rhizome Division
- Ensure each division has enough roots and fronds to survive.
- Maintain high humidity for the new plants.
- Avoid dividing very young or unhealthy plants.
- 1 Remove the plant from the pot
Carefully remove the fern from the pot, shaking off excess soil from the roots.
- 2 Divide the rhizome
Identify sections of the rhizome with several healthy fronds and roots. Use a sharp, sterilized knife to cut the rhizome into sections.
- 3 Plant the divisions
Plant each section in a new pot with fresh, well-draining substrate, ensuring the rhizome sits slightly above the soil line.
- 4 Water and care
Water thoroughly after planting and keep the new plants in a high-humidity area with indirect light until they become established.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Crocodile Fern Grow?
TLDR: Crocodile Fern can reach up to 90cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Crocodile Fern?
TLDR: Crocodile Fern is susceptible to 9 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo Flower | Medium | Partial shade | 5d | â ïļ |
| Prayer Plant | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Boston Fern | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Weeping Fig | Medium | Partial shade | 10d | â ïļ |
