Photo: agujaceratopsCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" Plant Care
Selliguea hastata (Thunb.) H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its unique frond shape, resembling a fish tail, which sets it apart from other ferns. Originating from Southeast Asia, Selliguea hastata is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in high humidity environments. Its delicate fronds add a touch of elegance to any indoor garden.
Every 7–10 days
Indirect bright light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern"?
Water Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it indirect bright light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" Native To?
What Is the Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern"?
Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" (Selliguea hastata) belongs to the Polypodiaceae family within the Selliguea genus. Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" is native to east Asia, ranging from China to Japan and Philippines.
Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" displays an epiphytic, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern"?
Selliguea hastata 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 Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" Need?
Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" thrives in indirect bright light. Avoid placing Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Indirect bright light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" Prefer?
Selliguea hastata grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern"?
Loose, well-draining potting mix with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern"?
Feed Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone 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 Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone 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 Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern"?
Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to selliguea dareiformis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone 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 Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern"?
Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone 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 Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" Need?
Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone Fern" is native to east Asia, ranging from China to Japan and Philippines.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone 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 Selliguea genus — compare its care with other Selliguea species on PlantoScan.
Selliguea is part of the Polypodiaceae plant family — browse all Polypodiaceae genera and species.
Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone 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: Selliguea hastata (Thunb.) H.Ohashi & K.Ohashi, family Polypodiaceae (first published in J. Jap. Bot. 84(5): 307. 2009 [20 Oct 2009]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Selliguea hastata is also known as "Fishbone 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: agujaceratops, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 9b, 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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