Photo: Pseudopanax at en.wikipediaPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Kidney Fern Plant Care
Hymenophyllum nephrophyllum Ebihara & K.Iwats.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This delicate fern from New Zealand is known for its translucent, kidney-shaped leaves that give it a unique ethereal appearance. Plant collectors are drawn to Hymenophyllum nephrophyllum for its rarity and beauty, making it a prized addition to any collection of ferns.
Every 7–10 days
Low to medium indirect light
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Kidney Fern?
Water Kidney Fern every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it low to medium indirect light. 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 Kidney Fern Native To?
What Is the Kidney Fern?
Kidney Fern (Hymenophyllum nephrophyllum) belongs to the Hymenophyllaceae family within the Hymenophyllum genus. Kidney Fern is native to New Zealand. Kidney Fern is also known as Filmy Fern, Trichomanes reniforme, Cardiomanes reniforme.
Kidney Fern displays a compact, creeping fern growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Kidney Fern produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kidney Fern?
Hymenophyllum nephrophyllum requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Kidney Fern Need?
Kidney Fern thrives in low to medium indirect light. Avoid placing Kidney Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Low to medium indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kidney Fern Prefer?
Hymenophyllum nephrophyllum grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Kidney 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 Kidney Fern?
Loose, well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Kidney Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kidney Fern?
Feed Kidney 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 Kidney 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 Kidney Fern?
Kidney Fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hymenophyllum alveolatum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Kidney Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kidney 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 Kidney Fern?
Kidney Fern is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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 Kidney Fern Need?
Kidney Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Kidney Fern is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Kidney Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11a
Keep exploring plants
Kidney 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 Hymenophyllum genus — compare its care with other Hymenophyllum species on PlantoScan.
Hymenophyllum is part of the Hymenophyllaceae plant family — browse all Hymenophyllaceae genera and species.
Kidney Fern copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Hymenophyllum Species
Other Hymenophyllum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hymenophyllum nephrophyllum Ebihara & K.Iwats., family Hymenophyllaceae (first published in Blumea 51(2): 234 (2006)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kidney 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: Pseudopanax at en.wikipedia, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11a, 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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