Contingent Fern Plant Care
Macrothelypteris contingens Ching
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Macrothelypteris contingens is a striking fern with dark green, glossy fronds that have a unique triangular shape, making it easily recognizable among other fern species. This plant is known for its ability to thrive in low light conditions and adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.
Every 3–5 days
Filtered sunlight
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Contingent Fern?
Water Contingent Fern every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered sunlight. 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 Contingent Fern?
Contingent Fern (Macrothelypteris contingens) belongs to the Thelypteridaceae family within the Macrothelypteris genus. Contingent Fern is native to Japan, China, Korea.
Contingent Fern displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Contingent Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Contingent Fern?
Macrothelypteris contingens requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Contingent Fern Need?
Contingent Fern thrives in filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Contingent Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Contingent Fern Prefer?
Macrothelypteris contingens grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Contingent 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 Contingent Fern?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Contingent Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Contingent Fern?
Feed Contingent 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 Contingent 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 Contingent Fern?
Contingent Fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to torres maiden fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Contingent Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Contingent 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 Contingent Fern?
Contingent Fern 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 Contingent Fern Need?
Contingent Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Contingent Fern is native to Japan, China, Korea. In cooler regions, grow Contingent Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Contingent 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 Macrothelypteris genus — compare its care with other Macrothelypteris species on PlantoScan.
Macrothelypteris is part of the Thelypteridaceae plant family — browse all Thelypteridaceae genera and species.
Contingent Fern produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Macrothelypteris contingens Ching, family Thelypteridaceae (first published in Acta Phytotax. Sin. 8(4): 310. 1963 [18 Oct 1963]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Contingent 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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