Tailed Lip Fern Plant Care
Cheilanthes caudata R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This fern species is easily recognizable by its distinctive fringed leaf edges. Originating from Mexico, Cheilanthes caudata is prized by plant collectors for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in arid conditions, making it a unique addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tailed Lip Fern?
Water Tailed Lip Fern every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tailed Lip Fern Native To?
What Is the Tailed Lip Fern?
Tailed Lip Fern (Cheilanthes caudata) belongs to the Pteridaceae family within the Cheilanthes genus. Tailed Lip Fern is native to northern Australia and possibly New Caledonia.
Tailed Lip Fern displays a low rosette, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Tailed Lip Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tailed Lip Fern?
Cheilanthes caudata requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tailed Lip Fern Need?
Tailed Lip Fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Tailed Lip Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tailed Lip Fern Prefer?
Cheilanthes caudata grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Tailed Lip Fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tailed Lip Fern?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Tailed Lip Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tailed Lip Fern?
Feed Tailed Lip Fern every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Tailed Lip Fern?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Tailed Lip Fern?
Tailed Lip Fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes.
Is the Tailed Lip Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tailed Lip Fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tailed Lip Fern?
Tailed Lip Fern is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tailed Lip Fern Need?
Tailed Lip Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Tailed Lip Fern is native to northern Australia and possibly New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Tailed Lip Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Tailed Lip Fern is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cheilanthes genus (family Pteridaceae) — search all Cheilanthes species in the plant lookup.
Tailed Lip Fern thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cheilanthes caudata R.Br., family Pteridaceae — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tailed Lip Fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Tailed Lip Fern Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species