Leatherleaf fern Plant Care
Rhytidophyllum berteroanum Mart.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Rhytidophyllum berteroanum is characterized by its tough, leathery fronds that have a distinct glossy appearance. Originating from the lush forests of New Zealand, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its ability to thrive in low light conditions and high humidity levels.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Leatherleaf fern?
Water Leatherleaf fern every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60°F (16°C) and above and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Leatherleaf fern?
Leatherleaf fern (Rhytidophyllum berteroanum) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Rhytidophyllum genus. Leatherleaf fern is native to New Zealand. Leatherleaf fern is also known as Rumohra adiantiformis.
Leatherleaf fern displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Leatherleaf fern produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
How Often Should You Water a Leatherleaf fern?
Rhytidophyllum berteroanum 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 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?
Rhytidophyllum berteroanum grows best at temperatures of 60°F. Leatherleaf fern prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Leatherleaf fern?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. 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 month 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 month
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 leaf cuttings, division, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ficus auriculata 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, aphids, 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 Leatherleaf fern Need?
Leatherleaf fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. 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 10b – 12b
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 Rhytidophyllum genus — compare its care with other Rhytidophyllum species on PlantoScan.
Rhytidophyllum is part of the Gesneriaceae plant family — browse all Gesneriaceae genera and species.
Leatherleaf fern thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Rhytidophyllum Species
Other Rhytidophyllum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Rhytidophyllum berteroanum Mart., family Gesneriaceae (first published in Nov. Gen. Sp. Pl. Bras. 3: 39 (1829)) — 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.
- 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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