Macroglossum smithii Plant Care
Macroglossum smithii (Rac.) Campbell
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Angiopteris smithii is a species of fern in the family Marattiaceae, which is native to Borneo, the Philippines, and Sulawesi. Unlike other forms of Angiopteris species, it is once-pinnate with huge leaflets up to 40 cm (16 in) long and 10 cm (3.9 in) wide.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Macroglossum smithii?
Water Macroglossum smithii every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Macroglossum smithii Native To?
What Is the Macroglossum smithii?
Macroglossum smithii (Macroglossum smithii) belongs to the Marattiaceae family within the Macroglossum genus. Macroglossum smithii is native to Borneo, the Philippines, and Sulawesi.
Macroglossum smithii displays a large, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Macroglossum smithii produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Macroglossum smithii?
Macroglossum smithii 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 Macroglossum smithii Need?
Macroglossum smithii thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Macroglossum smithii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Macroglossum smithii Prefer?
Macroglossum smithii grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Macroglossum smithii prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Macroglossum smithii?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Macroglossum smithii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Macroglossum smithii?
Feed Macroglossum smithii 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 Macroglossum smithii?
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 Macroglossum smithii?
Macroglossum smithii can be propagated through spores.
Is the Macroglossum smithii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Macroglossum smithii, 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 Macroglossum smithii?
Macroglossum smithii 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 Macroglossum smithii Need?
Macroglossum smithii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Macroglossum smithii is native to Borneo, the Philippines, and Sulawesi. In cooler regions, grow Macroglossum smithii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Macroglossum smithii 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 Macroglossum genus (family Marattiaceae) — search all Macroglossum species in the plant lookup.
Macroglossum smithii 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: Macroglossum smithii (Rac.) Campbell, family Marattiaceae (first published in Philipp. J. Sci., C 9: 209, t. 1, f. B, C (1914)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Macroglossum smithii, 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 13b, 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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