Photo: Sarah RichardsonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Horomaka fork fern Plant Care
Tmesipteris horomaka Perrie, Brownsey & Lovis
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This rare plant is known for its distinctive frond-like leaves that resemble a miniature fern. Originating from the remote mountains of New Zealand, Tmesipteris horomaka is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and scarcity in cultivation. Its intricate foliage and unusual growth habit make it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Horomaka fork fern?
Water Horomaka fork 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 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Horomaka fork fern Native To?
What Is the Horomaka fork fern?
Horomaka fork fern (Tmesipteris horomaka) belongs to the Psilotaceae family within the Tmesipteris genus. Horomaka fork fern is native to New Zealand. Horomaka fork fern is also known as Tmesipteris horomaka.
Horomaka fork fern displays a low, creeping fern growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Horomaka fork fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Horomaka fork fern?
Tmesipteris horomaka 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 Horomaka fork fern Need?
Horomaka fork fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Horomaka fork 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 Horomaka fork fern Prefer?
Tmesipteris horomaka grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Horomaka fork fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Horomaka fork fern?
Well-draining, acidic soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Horomaka fork fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Horomaka fork fern?
Feed Horomaka fork fern every 6 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 6 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 Horomaka fork 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 Horomaka fork fern?
Horomaka fork fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fork fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Horomaka fork fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Horomaka fork 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 Horomaka fork fern?
Horomaka fork 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 Horomaka fork fern Need?
Horomaka fork fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10a. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Horomaka fork fern is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Horomaka fork fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 10a
Keep exploring plants
Horomaka fork 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 Tmesipteris genus — compare its care with other Tmesipteris species on PlantoScan.
Tmesipteris is part of the Psilotaceae plant family — browse all Psilotaceae genera and species.
Horomaka fork 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: Tmesipteris horomaka Perrie, Brownsey & Lovis, family Psilotaceae (first published in New Zealand J. Bot. 48(1): 27 (15-29; figs.) (2010)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Horomaka fork 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: Sarah Richardson, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 10a, 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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