Hay-scented fern Plant Care
Microlepia strigosa (Thunb.) C.Presl
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Microlepia strigosa, known as hay-scented fern, lace fern, rigid lace fern and palapalai, is a fern indigenous to the Hawaiian islands and is also native to other parts of the tropics and subtropics including India and Malaysia. This fern belongs to a group of about seventy Microlepia species in the bracken or hay-scented fern family (Dennstaedtiaceae).
Every 3–5 days
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hay-scented fern?
Water Hay-scented fern every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered sunlight or partial shade. 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 Hay-scented fern?
Hay-scented fern (Microlepia strigosa) belongs to the Dennstaedtiaceae family within the Microlepia genus. Hay-scented fern is native to other parts of the tropics and subtropics including India and Malaysia. Hay-scented fern is also known as Hairy microlepia.
Hay-scented fern displays a fern with spreading rhizomes growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Hay-scented fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hay-scented fern?
Microlepia strigosa 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 Hay-scented fern Need?
Hay-scented fern thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Hay-scented fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hay-scented fern Prefer?
Microlepia strigosa grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Hay-scented 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 Hay-scented fern?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Hay-scented fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hay-scented fern?
Feed Hay-scented 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 Hay-scented fern?
Repot every 1-2 years. 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 Hay-scented fern?
Hay-scented fern can be propagated through spores.
Is the Hay-scented fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hay-scented 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 Hay-scented fern?
Hay-scented fern is susceptible to aphids, 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 Hay-scented fern Need?
Hay-scented fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Hay-scented fern is native to other parts of the tropics and subtropics including India and Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Hay-scented fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Hay-scented 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 Microlepia genus — compare its care with other Microlepia species on PlantoScan.
Microlepia is part of the Dennstaedtiaceae plant family — browse all Dennstaedtiaceae genera and species.
Hay-scented fern produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Microlepia strigosa (Thunb.) C.Presl, family Dennstaedtiaceae (first published in Abh. Königl. Böhm. Ges. Wiss. , ser. 5, 6: 455 (1851)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hay-scented 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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