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Grow kangaroo paw fern in shade outdoors or bright, indirect light indoors, and keep its potting mix evenly moist without letting it sit in water. Before following a care profile, check the plant label: the common name “kangaroo paw fern” is used for more than one botanical name.
Confirm which kangaroo paw fern you have
Several horticultural sources identify kangaroo paw fern as Microsorum diversifolium; the Royal Horticultural Society also lists Phymatosorus diversifolius as a synonym (RHS plant profile). NC State Extension uses the common name for Lecanopteris pustulata subsp. pustulata (NC State plant profile). Because the names do not match across these profiles, use the scientific name on your plant label to choose the closest care guidance.
These ferns have glossy, leathery fronds and creeping rhizomes. Their reported sizes vary by profile: Griffith University describes Microsorum diversifolium at about 30 cm tall by 60 cm wide, while NC State gives 6–12 inches tall and 3–4 feet wide for its differently named profile. Treat these as source-specific descriptions, not one guaranteed mature size.
Choose a suitable location
Indoors
Place the fern in bright, indirect light. Clemson Extension gives a bright north-facing window as an indoor example; keep the fronds out of harsh direct sun, which can scorch them (Clemson Extension indoor fern guide). A pot or hanging basket can both work. The plant’s spreading foliage may suit a hanging basket, but the basket is an optional display choice.
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- Air Purifying plant when placed indoors! The Kangaroo Fern has dark green, leathery leaves!
- Easy Care Plants: See full care directions below!
- Environment: The Kangaroo Fern grows best with partial sun exposure.
- Overall Size: 10" to 14" plant inclusive of a 6" planter pot
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 32°F
Outdoors
Choose a partly to fully shaded position, sheltered from strong direct sun. A shaded garden spot can work where the local climate is suitable. For containers, select a position that lets you maintain moisture without leaving the roots in water.
Water for steady moisture and good drainage
Aim for potting mix that stays evenly moist but drains freely. NC State recommends watering when the soil surface begins to dry and cautions against letting a pot stand in water; Clemson likewise advises regular, even moisture rather than wet soil. Check the mix and conditions instead of watering to a fixed calendar: drying speed changes with light, temperature, humidity, and container size.
Rank #2
- Pot Size: 6
- Botanical Name: Microsorum diversifolium
- Common Names: Kangaroo Foot, Kangaroo Paw
- Satisfaction Ensured.
- Produced with the highest grade materials
- If the surface is beginning to dry, water thoroughly, then let excess water drain away.
- Empty standing water from a saucer or outer pot so the roots are not left submerged.
- If the mix remains soggy, check that the container drains and reduce watering frequency; poor drainage and excess water can contribute to root rot.
Provide humidity, temperature, and a suitable mix
Use a moist, well-drained growing medium. Griffith University describes indirect indoor light and moderate to high humidity. NC State lists 50% humidity and 60–75°F for its profile, but that profile uses a different botanical name from sources identifying Microsorum diversifolium. Treat those figures as guideposts for that profile, not guaranteed requirements for every plant sold under the common name.
Feed lightly during active growth
NC State recommends a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly in spring and summer for its profile. Clemson’s general indoor-fern advice favors light, seasonal feeding and warns against heavy fertilization. For a plant labeled Microsorum diversifolium, use a conservative approach: follow the product label, avoid overfeeding, and do not treat a heavier feeding schedule as necessary species-specific guidance.
Rank #3
- LOW LIGHT TOLERANT FERN - Microsorum diversifolium adapts well to shaded indoor environments, making it suitable for north-facing windows, offices, and rooms with limited natural light
- DISTINCTIVE FOLIAGE SHAPE - Features long, irregularly lobed fronds that spread outward from a central rhizome, with each leaf displaying a unique wavy edge pattern and leathery texture
- COMPACT SPREADING GROWTH - Reaches 12-18 inches in height with an arching habit, spreading gradually via creeping rhizomes that can fill decorative containers or hanging baskets over time
- HUMIDITY LOVING HOUSEPLANT - Originates from Australian rainforests and performs best with regular misting or placement near other plants, bathrooms, or kitchens where moisture levels stay elevated
- EPIPHYTIC CARE REQUIREMENTS - Grows naturally on tree branches and rocks, requiring well-draining potting mix with bark or perlite and shallow watering that keeps roots moist but never waterlogged
Propagate by dividing the rhizome
Division or a rhizome cutting is the straightforward home method. The botanical garden and NC State also describe propagation from spores, which is an alternative that takes more care.
- Remove the plant from its pot and locate a healthy section of creeping rhizome with attached fronds or growing points.
- Separate a section with a clean cutting tool, keeping roots and foliage attached where possible.
- Pot the division in a moist, freely draining mix and return it to bright indirect light or sheltered shade.
- Keep the mix evenly moist as it establishes, but do not leave the new pot standing in water.
Troubleshoot brown tips, pests, and root problems
Brown frond tips
NC State associates brown tips with inadequate water or low humidity. Check whether the mix is drying too far between waterings and whether the indoor air is very dry. Avoid trying to correct dryness by keeping the roots waterlogged.
Rank #4
- Air Purifying plant when placed indoors! The Kangaroo Fern has dark green, leathery leaves!
- Easy Care Plants: See full care directions below!
- Environment: The Kangaroo Fern grows best with partial sun exposure.
- Overall Size: 18" to 22" plant inclusive of a 6" planter pot
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 32°F
Root rot or fungal problems
Overwatering and poorly drained soil can cause root rot and other fungal problems. Check that water can escape from the pot, empty saucers, and allow the mix surface to begin drying before watering again.
Insects and mites
Inspect fronds and stems for mealybugs, spider mites, and scale, which NC State lists as potential pests. Clemson’s indoor-fern guidance also flags insect and mite issues. If you find pests, identify the problem before choosing a treatment, and follow the treatment label for indoor plants.
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For an indoor setup, prioritize indirect light, a container with drainage, and the ability to keep the mix moist without waterlogging it. For an outdoor setup, prioritize shade, shelter from harsh sun, and room for spreading foliage. A hanging basket is one way to display the plant; a regular pot or suitable shaded garden position can work as well.
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