Red-eyed fern Plant Care
Lepidolaena palpebrifolia (Hook.) Dumort. ex Trevis.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is characterized by its translucent, papery leaves that resemble delicate eyelids. Originating from the tropical regions of Africa, Lepidolaena palpebrifolia is highly sought after by plant collectors for its ethereal appearance and rarity in cultivation.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Red-eyed fern?
Water Red-eyed fern every 7–10 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.
What Is the Red-eyed fern?
Red-eyed fern (Lepidolaena palpebrifolia) belongs to the Lepidolaenaceae family within the Lepidolaena genus. Red-eyed fern is native to Southeast Asia. Red-eyed fern is also known as Eyelash fern.
Red-eyed fern displays a low rosette, creeping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Red-eyed fern produces small inconspicuous flowers, mainly grown for foliage.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Red-eyed fern?
Lepidolaena palpebrifolia 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 Red-eyed fern Need?
Red-eyed fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Red-eyed 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 Red-eyed fern Prefer?
Lepidolaena palpebrifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Red-eyed 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 Red-eyed fern?
Moist, well-draining peat-based soil mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Red-eyed fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Red-eyed fern?
Feed Red-eyed 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 Red-eyed 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 Red-eyed fern?
Red-eyed fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to none plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Red-eyed fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Red-eyed 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 Red-eyed fern?
Red-eyed 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 Red-eyed fern Need?
Red-eyed fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Red-eyed fern is native to Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Red-eyed fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Red-eyed 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 Lepidolaena genus — compare its care with other Lepidolaena species on PlantoScan.
Lepidolaena is part of the Lepidolaenaceae plant family — browse all Lepidolaenaceae genera and species.
Red-eyed 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: Lepidolaena palpebrifolia (Hook.) Dumort. ex Trevis., family Lepidolaenaceae (first published in Mem. Reale Ist. Lombardo Sci., Ser. 3, Cl. Sci. Mat. 4: 393 1877) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Red-eyed 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 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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