Kangaroo Fern
Microsorum pustulatum
An epiphytic or lithophytic fern featuring glossy, bright green, strap-shaped fronds that are often simple or shallowly lobed, arising from creeping fuzzy rhizomes.
- Light
- Bright indirect light to partial shade, roughly 4 to 6 hours of filtered light daily.
- Water
- Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, allowing the top layer to dry out slightly between waterings; avoid letting the root system dry out completely.
- Growth
- Perennial epiphyte with a spreading growth habit utilizing surface rhizomes, reaching a mature height and spread of 1 to 2 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide bright indirect light, keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, maintain high ambient humidity, and plant in a loose, well-draining organic medium.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to partial shade, roughly 4 to 6 hours of filtered light daily.
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, allowing the top layer to dry out slightly between waterings; avoid letting the root system dry out completely.
Soil
Rich, loose, highly organic potting mix with excellent drainage and a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 9 to 11, grown primarily as an indoor houseplant in cooler temperate regions.
Growth habit
Perennial epiphyte with a spreading growth habit utilizing surface rhizomes, reaching a mature height and spread of 1 to 2 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Non-flowering
Propagation
Propagated by division of the creeping rhizomes during the active growing season or by sowing spores in controlled humid conditions.
Common pests & issues
Prone to root rot if overwatered or kept in poorly draining soil; low humidity can cause frond tip browning; occasional vulnerability to mealybugs and scale insects.
Similar species
Similar to other tongue ferns or staghorn ferns, but distinguished by its glossy, undivided strap-like fronds and prominent dark sori pustules on the undersides.