Photo: © Daniel IseliPlantoScanImage: PlantoScan
Crocodile Fern Plant Care
Microsorum musifolium Copel.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its glossy, dark green fronds, Microsorum musifolium adds an elegant touch to any indoor space. Originating from Southeast Asia, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its unique wavy leaf shape and ability to thrive in low light conditions.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Crocodile Fern?
Water Crocodile Fern every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Crocodile Fern Native To?
What Is the Crocodile Fern?
Crocodile Fern (Microsorum musifolium) belongs to the Polypodiaceae family within the Microsorum genus. Crocodile Fern is native to Southeast Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands. Crocodile Fern is also known as Kangaroo Fern, Banana Fern.
Crocodile Fern displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Crocodile Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Crocodile Fern?
Microsorum musifolium 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 Crocodile Fern Need?
Crocodile Fern thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Crocodile Fern 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 Crocodile Fern Prefer?
Microsorum musifolium grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Crocodile 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 Crocodile Fern?
Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Crocodile Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Crocodile Fern?
Feed Crocodile 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 Crocodile Fern?
Repot every 2-3 years in early 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 Crocodile Fern?
Crocodile Fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to microsorum membranaceum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Crocodile Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Crocodile 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 Crocodile Fern?
Crocodile 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 Crocodile Fern Need?
Crocodile Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Crocodile Fern is native to Southeast Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands. In cooler regions, grow Crocodile Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Crocodile 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 Microsorum genus — compare its care with other Microsorum species on PlantoScan.
Microsorum is part of the Polypodiaceae plant family — browse all Polypodiaceae genera and species.
Crocodile Fern 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: Microsorum musifolium Copel., family Polypodiaceae (first published in Univ. Calif. Publ. Bot. 16. 112. 1929 (1929)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Crocodile 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.
- Photo: © Daniel Iseli, PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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