Grow a crocodile fern (*Microsorum musifolium*) in bright, filtered light with a warm, humid environment and a growing medium that stays moist without becoming waterlogged. Check the mix before watering rather than following a fixed weekly schedule: this epiphytic fern needs both moisture and good drainage.
What is a crocodile fern?
The crocodile fern is the tropical fern Microsorum musifolium. Its common name comes from the distinctive netted veins and textured surface of its fronds. ‘Crocodyllus’ is a cultivar name for a selected form of the species; it is not a separate species. The National Parks Board describes that cultivar as derived from a naturally occurring mutation of a selected plant and lists its fronds at 55–65 cm long and 8–14 cm wide in its record updated 22 November 2023. NParks
Because the fern is epiphytic, it benefits from a light, airy growing medium rather than dense soil that holds excess water. It can be grown indoors in a container. North Carolina State University Extension also identifies it as a houseplant.
How much light does a crocodile fern need?
Place it in bright shade, filtered light, or bright indirect light. Protect the fronds from harsh direct sun, which can scorch them. A spot near a bright window with the sun softened by a sheer curtain, or set back from a sunny window, can provide the balance it needs. NParks classifies ‘Crocodyllus’ for semi-shade; Chicago Botanic Garden describes the species’ habitat as shaded with filtered light. Chicago Botanic Garden
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How often should you water it?
Keep the growing medium evenly moist, but let excess water drain away freely. Check the medium with a finger: if the surface is beginning to dry, water thoroughly and allow the container to drain. Do not leave the roots sitting in pooled water. A dense, persistently saturated mix can contribute to root rot, while a suitable porous mix holds some moisture without staying waterlogged. The horticultural sources do not establish a single watering interval that suits every home, so adjust checks to your room, season, container, and mix. North Carolina State University Extension
Choose a porous growing medium
Use a light, freely draining mix suited to an epiphytic fern. NParks lists coarse peatmoss, sphagnum moss, pine bark, cocopeat, compost, and coarse sand as possible components; these are options to combine, not a required recipe. A container with drainage holes helps prevent excess water from collecting around the roots. NParks
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- [CURATED SELECTION] – Hand-selected live decorative houseplants sourced from professional local growers.
- [PREPARED FOR SHIPMENT] – Each plant is prepared for shipment using standard horticultural handling practices and shipped in a nursery container.
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- [INDOOR DISPLAY PLANT] – Commonly grown as a decorative plant for indoor spaces with bright, indirect light. Care guidance may be provided.
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What humidity and temperature does it need?
High humidity and warm, relatively stable conditions suit this tropical fern. North Carolina State University Extension gives a preferred temperature range of 60–75°F and advises avoiding cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. Chicago Botanic Garden notes that it needs indoor overwintering in Chicago and flags temperatures around 50°F as a concern. Together, these sources support protecting the plant from cold rather than treating one precise lower temperature as safe in every setting. North Carolina State University Extension; Chicago Botanic Garden
If your indoor air is dry, a water-filled pebble tray beneath the container or a position near a pond or water feature may help support humidity. NParks suggests these options for container-grown plants, but they do not guarantee a particular humidity level. Keep the pot above the waterline so the roots are not left standing in water. NParks
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- Meet Fern Crocodile! Have leaves with a lot of personality and can be a favorite among fern lovers. The leaves of the ferns resemble the distinctive leathery appearance of crocodile skin which is how the plant got its name.
- Crocodile at your home! Typically found in Southeast Asia and parts of Australia, this fern is a little picky about its environment and thrives in humid, tropical environments. Although they are very slow growers, they make great statement pieces since they can grow up to 5 feet.
- Microsorum musifolium! Give your Ferns a position near a window that gets morning or late afternoon sun, and keep the Ferns away from strong sunlight, especially during the summer. Most Ferns like evenly moist soil with regular waterings. An individual Fern’s place of origin and adaptability will determine how high or low temperature the fern needs.
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- Size 6''-12'' tall incl. pot! Our plants are procured from small tropical plant growers where quality is above all the biggest priority. They are shipped in custom boxes to ensure a healthy delivered plant.
Should you fertilize a crocodile fern?
NParks suggests weak fertilizer every other week for indoor plants that cannot collect detritus. Treat this as source-specific guidance, not a universal requirement: feeding needs depend on the growing medium and how actively the plant is growing. If you choose to feed, use a diluted product and follow its label rather than applying a strong dose. NParks
How do you propagate a crocodile fern?
Division is the straightforward method supported by North Carolina State University Extension, which recommends doing it in spring or early summer. North Carolina State University Extension
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- Native to Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea and the Philippines
- Looks like a crocodiles back
- Likes bright, indirect light
- Houseplant
- Garden & Patio
- Choose a healthy, established plant and remove it from its container when the medium is workable.
- Gently separate the root mass into sections, keeping roots and growing points with each division.
- Pot each section in a porous, freely draining medium and water it enough to settle the mix without saturating it.
- Keep the new divisions in bright indirect light and maintain steady moisture as they establish.
Why are the frond edges turning brown?
Brown edges can be associated with low humidity or tap-water effects, but they do not identify one cause on their own. Check the plant’s conditions before changing its care:
- Light: Move it out of harsh direct sun if the fronds may be scorched.
- Moisture and drainage: Check whether the medium is drying out too much or staying saturated, and confirm that excess water can drain.
- Air and water: Consider whether indoor air is dry and whether tap water may be contributing to the problem.
- Pests and leaf condition: Inspect fronds and stems for pests or signs of leaf spot.
North Carolina State University Extension lists mealybugs, spider mites, and scale among possible pests. It also associates leaf spot with poor air circulation or wet leaves, and identifies overwatering as a root-rot risk. North Carolina State University Extension
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