Microlepia hirta is a clump-forming fern cultivar in the Dennstaedtiaceae family, valued for its semi-evergreen foliage. It thrives in partial shade, ideally in east- or west-facing, sheltered locations. This cultivar prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Suitable for cultivation in the UK under H4 hardiness, it is often grown as a houseplant or in conservatories and greenhouses. Interest in its foliage is maintained through spring and summer. Propagation is typically by division in spring or by sowing spores.

Microlepia hirta thrives in partial shade, hardy to RHS H4, perfect for houseplants and conservatories with spring and summer interest.

Microlepia hirta

Microlepia strigosa, known as hay-scented fern, lace fern, rigid lace fern and palapalai, is a fern indigenous to the Hawaiian islands and is also native to other parts of the tropics and subtropics including India and Malaysia. This fern belongs to a group of about seventy Microlepia species in the bracken or hay-scented fern family (Dennstaedtiaceae). There are two indigenous species and a hybrid found in the main Hawaiian Islands. It is also known by the botanical names: Davallia hirta, Davallia setosa, Davallia strigosa, Dicksonia kaulfussiana, Dicksonia strigosa, Microlepia hirta, Microlepia setosa, Stenoloma tenuifolium, Trichomanes strigosum. Grow it in partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). It works well for houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.