Photo: Irisa HudsonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Necklace fern Plant Care
Stromatopteris moniliformis Mett.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia, this plant's most distinctive visual feature is its delicate, moniliform leaves that resemble a string of beads. Plant collectors are drawn to Stromatopteris moniliformis for its unique foliage that adds a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor garden.
Every 7–10 days
Filtered light, partial shade
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Necklace fern?
Water Necklace fern every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered light, partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Necklace fern Native To?
What Is the Necklace fern?
Necklace fern (Stromatopteris moniliformis) belongs to the Gleicheniaceae family within the Stromatopteris genus. Necklace fern is native to New Caledonia. Necklace fern is also known as Moniliform necklace fern.
Necklace fern displays a low spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Necklace fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Necklace fern?
Stromatopteris moniliformis 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 Necklace fern Need?
Necklace fern thrives in filtered light, partial shade. Avoid placing Necklace fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered light, partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Necklace fern Prefer?
Stromatopteris moniliformis grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Necklace 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 Necklace fern?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Necklace fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Necklace fern?
Feed Necklace 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 Necklace 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 Necklace fern?
Necklace fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes.
Is the Necklace fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Necklace 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 Necklace fern?
Necklace 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 Necklace fern Need?
Necklace fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Necklace fern is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Necklace fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Necklace 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 Stromatopteris genus — compare its care with other Stromatopteris species on PlantoScan.
Stromatopteris is part of the Gleicheniaceae plant family — browse all Gleicheniaceae genera and species.
Necklace fern produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Stromatopteris moniliformis Mett., family Gleicheniaceae (first published in Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 4, 15: 84 (1861)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Necklace 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: Irisa Hudson, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 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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