Photo: Tom BeardCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Leatherleaf Fern Plant Care
Pyrrosia eleagnifolia (Bory) Hovenkamp
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pyrrosia eleagnifolia is a unique plant known for its distinctive lance-shaped leaves with wavy edges that resemble the shape of an oak leaf. It originates from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its striking foliage and easy-care nature.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Leatherleaf Fern?
Water Leatherleaf Fern every 7–14 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 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Leatherleaf Fern Native To?
What Is the Leatherleaf Fern?
Leatherleaf Fern (Pyrrosia eleagnifolia) belongs to the Polypodiaceae family within the Pyrrosia genus. Leatherleaf Fern is native to New Zealand. Leatherleaf Fern is also known as Woolly Tongue Fern.
Leatherleaf Fern displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Leatherleaf Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Leatherleaf Fern?
Pyrrosia eleagnifolia requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Leatherleaf Fern Need?
Leatherleaf Fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Leatherleaf Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Leatherleaf Fern Prefer?
Pyrrosia eleagnifolia grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Leatherleaf Fern prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Leatherleaf Fern?
Well-draining, rich organic soil mix with good moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Leatherleaf Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Leatherleaf Fern?
Feed Leatherleaf Fern every 2 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 2 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 Leatherleaf 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 Leatherleaf Fern?
Leatherleaf Fern can be propagated through division of rhizomes, spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to asian felt fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Leatherleaf Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Leatherleaf 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 Leatherleaf Fern?
Leatherleaf 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 Leatherleaf Fern Need?
Leatherleaf Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Leatherleaf Fern is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Leatherleaf Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Leatherleaf 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 Pyrrosia genus — compare its care with other Pyrrosia species on PlantoScan.
Pyrrosia is part of the Polypodiaceae plant family — browse all Polypodiaceae genera and species.
Leatherleaf Fern 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: Pyrrosia eleagnifolia (Bory) Hovenkamp, family Polypodiaceae (first published in Blumea 30(1): 208 (1984)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Leatherleaf 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: Tom Beard, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, 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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