Smallleaf Lemaphyllum Plant Care
Lemmaphyllum microphyllum C.Presl
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lepisorus microphyllum, the green penny fern, is a semi-succulent species of fern in the family Polypodiaceae. It is native to parts of China, Japan, and the eastern Asian seaboard.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Smallleaf Lemaphyllum?
Water Smallleaf Lemaphyllum every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Smallleaf Lemaphyllum?
Smallleaf Lemaphyllum (Lemmaphyllum microphyllum) belongs to the Polypodiaceae family within the Lemmaphyllum genus. Smallleaf Lemaphyllum is native to parts of China, Japan, and the eastern Asian seaboard. Smallleaf Lemaphyllum is also known as Tiny Lemaphyllum.
Smallleaf Lemaphyllum displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Smallleaf Lemaphyllum produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Smallleaf Lemaphyllum?
Lemmaphyllum microphyllum 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 Smallleaf Lemaphyllum Need?
Smallleaf Lemaphyllum thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Smallleaf Lemaphyllum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Smallleaf Lemaphyllum Prefer?
Lemmaphyllum microphyllum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Smallleaf Lemaphyllum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Smallleaf Lemaphyllum?
Loose, well-draining potting mix with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Smallleaf Lemaphyllum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Smallleaf Lemaphyllum?
Feed Smallleaf Lemaphyllum every 8 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 8 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 Smallleaf Lemaphyllum?
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 Smallleaf Lemaphyllum?
Smallleaf Lemaphyllum can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lemmaphyllum squamatum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Smallleaf Lemaphyllum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Smallleaf Lemaphyllum, 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 Smallleaf Lemaphyllum?
Smallleaf Lemaphyllum 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 Smallleaf Lemaphyllum Need?
Smallleaf Lemaphyllum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Smallleaf Lemaphyllum is native to parts of China, Japan, and the eastern Asian seaboard. In cooler regions, grow Smallleaf Lemaphyllum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Smallleaf Lemaphyllum 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 Lemmaphyllum genus — compare its care with other Lemmaphyllum species on PlantoScan.
Lemmaphyllum is part of the Polypodiaceae plant family — browse all Polypodiaceae genera and species.
Smallleaf Lemaphyllum copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lemmaphyllum microphyllum C.Presl, family Polypodiaceae (first published in Abh. Königl. Böhm. Ges. Wiss. , ser. 5, 6: 263 (1851)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Smallleaf Lemaphyllum, 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 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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