Crocodile Fern / Crocodyllus Fern

Microsorum musifolium

description

Crocodile Fern is a tropical fern whose textured fronds resemble crocodile skin.

benefits

Low—light tolerant
Pet-friendly, non-toxic to animals
Suitable for containers

How to care for Crocodile Fern

sunlight

In tropical forests, Crocodile Fern grows beneath a leafy canopy, receiving filtered light rather than harsh sun. Place it near a bright window with the light softened by a sheer curtain or set it a little back from the glass.

Bright indirect light

This is ideal for full, healthy fronds. An east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west window usually works well.

Medium indirect light

It will tolerate gentler light, but growth may slow and new fronds may be smaller. Avoid dim corners and direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the textured leaves.

If the fronds lean toward the window, rotate the pot a quarter turn every week or two for more even growth.

watering

Keep the potting mix lightly and consistently moist, never waterlogged. Crocodile Fern dries poorly at the roots but can rot if it sits in saturated soil.

Spring - summer

Water thoroughly about every 5-8 days, when the top 1-2 cm of mix feels dry and the pot is noticeably lighter. Let excess water drain away.

Autumn - winter

In lower light or cooler rooms, water roughly every 10-14 days. Check deeper than the surface: water once the upper layer has dried but the root ball is still faintly moist.

A small pot, warm bright spot, or airy mix dries faster, while a larger pot, low light, and cool air slow watering considerably.

Do not leave the pot standing in a saucer of water, as constantly wet roots can quickly lead to rot.

humidity

Preferred humidity

60-80%

Native to humid tropical forests, Crocodile Fern keeps its textured fronds looking best in consistently moist air. It can manage typical indoor humidity around 40-50%, but growth may slow and tips can brown if the air stays dry.

Increase humidity around the plant, not by keeping the pot sitting in water.

Group it with other plants or use a small humidifier nearby.
Keep it away from radiators, air conditioning, and drying drafts.
Brown, crisp tips or curled frond edges usually mean the air is too dry or watering has been inconsistent.

temperature

Preferred range

18-27°C (65-80°F)

Winter minimum

15°C (59°F)

This tropical fern prefers steady, warm room temperatures. Keep it away from chilly windows and heating vents, which can dry or shock its textured fronds.

Place it in a stable spot, and move it back from cold glass on winter nights.

Cold drafts and temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can cause yellowing and frond damage.

nutrition

March - September

Feed about once a month while new fronds are growing, using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Feed only when the potting mix is already moist. In winter, pause feeding unless the fern is clearly producing new growth in warm, bright conditions.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen supports the lush green fronds. Regular light feeding is enough - too much can cause soft growth and brown leaf edges.

Potassium

Potassium helps support sturdy fronds and overall resilience. A balanced fertilizer supplies it without pushing excessive growth.

Use weak fertilizer little and often: flush the pot with plain water every few months to prevent fertilizer salts building up.

soil

Moisture-retentive, airy soil

Crocodile fern likes a humus-rich mix that stays lightly moist but still lets air reach its fine roots. Combine potting soil or coco coir with orchid bark and perlite, and use a pot with drainage holes.

pH 5,5 - 6,5

This is slightly acidic soil, similar to the forest floor where this fern grows. Most peat- or coco-based houseplant mixes fall close to this range, especially when mixed with bark.

Choose a shallow, well-draining pot and avoid packing the mix down, as compact soil stays wet too long around the roots.