Photo: islaymCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Wiry Coral Fern Plant Care
Gleichenia dicarpa R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is characterized by its delicate, feathery fronds that resemble miniature palm trees. Gleichenia dicarpa originates from Australasia and the Pacific Islands, thriving in tropical and subtropical climates. Plant collectors are drawn to its intricate foliage, which adds a touch of exotic elegance to any garden or indoor space.
Every 5–7 days
Filtered sunlight
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Wiry Coral Fern?
Water Wiry Coral Fern every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered sunlight. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Wiry Coral Fern Native To?
What Is the Wiry Coral Fern?
Wiry Coral Fern (Gleichenia dicarpa) belongs to the Gleicheniaceae family within the Gleichenia genus. Wiry Coral Fern is native to eastern Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand. Wiry Coral Fern is also known as Coral Fern, Tangle Fern.
Wiry Coral Fern displays a spreading, creeping fern growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Wiry Coral Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wiry Coral Fern?
Gleichenia dicarpa requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Wiry Coral Fern Need?
Wiry Coral Fern thrives in filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Wiry Coral Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wiry Coral Fern Prefer?
Gleichenia dicarpa grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Wiry Coral Fern prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wiry Coral Fern?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Wiry Coral Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wiry Coral Fern?
Feed Wiry Coral Fern every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Wiry Coral Fern?
Repot every 1-2 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 Wiry Coral Fern?
Wiry Coral Fern can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to abscised gleichenia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Wiry Coral Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Wiry Coral 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 Wiry Coral Fern?
Wiry Coral Fern is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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 Wiry Coral Fern Need?
Wiry Coral Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Wiry Coral Fern is native to eastern Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Wiry Coral Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Wiry Coral 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 Gleichenia genus — compare its care with other Gleichenia species on PlantoScan.
Gleichenia is part of the Gleicheniaceae plant family — browse all Gleicheniaceae genera and species.
Wiry Coral Fern produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Gleichenia dicarpa R.Br., family Gleicheniaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. 161 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wiry Coral 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.
- Photo: islaym, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, 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.
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