Polypodium scutulatum Plant Care
Polypodium scutulatum Sodiro
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Serpocaulon fraxinifolium is a species of fern in the family Polypodiaceae. It is native to Mexico, Central and South America.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Polypodium scutulatum?
Water Polypodium scutulatum 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 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Polypodium scutulatum Native To?
What Is the Polypodium scutulatum?
Polypodium scutulatum (Polypodium scutulatum) belongs to the Polypodiaceae family within the Polypodium genus. Polypodium scutulatum is native to Mexico, Central and South America.
Polypodium scutulatum displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Polypodium scutulatum produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Polypodium scutulatum?
Polypodium scutulatum 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 Polypodium scutulatum Need?
Polypodium scutulatum thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Polypodium scutulatum 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 Polypodium scutulatum Prefer?
Polypodium scutulatum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Polypodium scutulatum prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Polypodium scutulatum?
Loose, well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Polypodium scutulatum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Polypodium scutulatum?
Feed Polypodium scutulatum every 8 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 8 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 Polypodium scutulatum?
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 Polypodium scutulatum?
Polypodium scutulatum can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to appalachian polypody plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Polypodium scutulatum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Polypodium scutulatum, 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 Polypodium scutulatum?
Polypodium scutulatum 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 Polypodium scutulatum Need?
Polypodium scutulatum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Polypodium scutulatum is native to Mexico, Central and South America. In cooler regions, grow Polypodium scutulatum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Polypodium scutulatum 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 Polypodium genus — compare its care with other Polypodium species on PlantoScan.
Polypodium is part of the Polypodiaceae plant family — browse all Polypodiaceae genera and species.
Polypodium scutulatum copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Polypodium Species
Other Polypodium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Polypodium scutulatum Sodiro, family Polypodiaceae (first published in Anales Univ. Centr. Ecuador 22, n.° 161: 163. [Sert. Fl. (1908)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Polypodium scutulatum, 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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