Photo: Jacqui GeuxCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Forked Fern Plant Care
Tmesipteris tannensis (Spreng.) Bernh.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is known for its intricate, fern-like leaves that resemble feathery plumes. Originating from remote regions of New Caledonia, Tmesipteris tannensis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and unusual appearance, making 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 Forked Fern?
Water Forked 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 Forked Fern Native To?
What Is the Forked Fern?
Forked Fern (Tmesipteris tannensis) belongs to the Psilotaceae family within the Tmesipteris genus. Forked Fern is native to New Zealand.
Forked Fern displays a low, creeping fern growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Forked Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Forked Fern?
Tmesipteris tannensis 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 Forked Fern Need?
Forked Fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Forked 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 Forked Fern Prefer?
Tmesipteris tannensis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Forked 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 Forked Fern?
Well-draining, acidic soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Forked Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Forked Fern?
Feed Forked 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 Forked 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 Forked Fern?
Forked 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 Forked Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Forked 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 Forked Fern?
Forked 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 Forked Fern Need?
Forked Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Forked Fern is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Forked Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Forked 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.
Forked 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 tannensis (Spreng.) Bernh., family Psilotaceae (first published in J. Bot. (Schrader) 1800(2): 131 (1801)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Forked 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: Jacqui Geux, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 10b, 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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