Kangaroo Paw Fern
Zealandia pustulata
A hardy epiphytic fern with glossy, leathery fronds that are variably lobed, resembling a kangaroo's paw. It tolerates lower humidity better than most ferns, making it forgiving indoors.
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect light
- Water
- Keep lightly moist
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
The Kangaroo Paw Fern is an epiphytic fern from Australia and New Zealand, long known as Microsorum diversifolium and now placed in Zealandia pustulata. Its common name refers to the paw-like shape of its variably lobed, glossy fronds.
Unusually tough for a fern, it has thick, leathery leaves and creeping rhizomes that let it shrug off drier air better than delicate ferns like maidenhair. This resilience plus its handsome, deep-green foliage make it an easy, attractive houseplant.
How to identify it
Identify it by glossy, leathery fronds of varying shape rising from a creeping, scaly rhizome.
- Fronds: thick, leathery, glossy dark green; shape ranges from simple to deeply paw-like lobed
- Rhizome: creeping, hairy/scaly, runs along the surface and over pot edges
- Spores: round sori on the undersides of fertile fronds
- Habit: epiphytic, spreading via rhizome
- Size: fronds reach roughly 1-2 ft long
Care & growing
Light: Medium to bright indirect light; keep out of direct sun.
Water: Keep the mix lightly and evenly moist, letting the surface just dry; avoid both bone-dry and waterlogged conditions. Do not bury the rhizome.
Soil: Loose, airy, well-draining mix with bark or peat.
Temperature: 60-80F; tolerates average household humidity better than most ferns.
Feeding: Diluted fertilizer occasionally during growth.
Propagation: By division of the creeping rhizome, keeping fronds attached to each section.
Habitat & origin
Native to Australia and New Zealand, where it grows as an epiphyte and lithophyte on trees and rocks in forests.
It is grown worldwide as a low-maintenance houseplant, well suited to hanging baskets and pots where the rhizome can creep, and is popular in mild-climate shade gardens.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bury the furry rhizome?
No. Let the creeping rhizome sit on top of the mix. Burying it can lead to rot; it naturally crawls over the soil and pot edge.
Is the Kangaroo Paw Fern hard to keep alive?
No, it is one of the easier ferns. Its leathery fronds tolerate average humidity better than delicate ferns, though it still likes steady moisture.
Why are the frond tips browning?
Usually the soil dried out too much or the air is very dry. Keep the mix lightly moist and raise humidity if your home is very dry.
Kangaroo Paw Fern guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Kangaroo Paw Fern.
