Overview

Goniophlebium subauriculatum is a plant with a spreading branched habit in the genus Goniophlebium, part of the Polypodiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Goniophlebium subauriculatum grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include houseplants, sub-tropical and conservatory and greenhouse. It is native to Assam, Borneo, Cambodia, China South-Central, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Myanmar, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Philippines, Queensland, Solomon Is., Sulawesi, Sumatera, Thailand, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

About

Goniophlebium subauriculatum, commonly known as the lacy pine fern, is a spreading branched evergreen fern from the genus Goniophlebium in the Polypodiaceae family. It thrives in partial shade with a preference for east- or west-facing, sheltered positions and requires moist but well-drained loam soil that can be acid, alkaline, or neutral. Hardy to UK zone H3, it is suited for cultivation as a houseplant or in sub-tropical conservatories and greenhouses. This fern is native to various regions across Asia and the Pacific and is of interest in spring and summer.

About the genus

Goniophlebium is a genus of ferns in the family Polypodiaceae, subfamily Microsoroideae, according to the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016 (PPG I).

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Goniophlebium

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Goniophlebium subauriculatum size, habit and characteristics

Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Evergreen
Suggested uses
Houseplants, Sub-tropical, Conservatory and greenhouse
Native to
Assam, Borneo, Cambodia, China South-Central, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Myanmar, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Philippines, Queensland, Solomon Is., Sulawesi, Sumatera, Thailand, Vanuatu, Vietnam

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Goniophlebium subauriculatum

Propagation
Spores, division in spring or early summer
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Goniophlebium subauriculatum?

Goniophlebium subauriculatum prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Goniophlebium subauriculatum need?

Goniophlebium subauriculatum grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Goniophlebium subauriculatum hardy in the UK?

Goniophlebium subauriculatum has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Goniophlebium subauriculatum?

Spores, division in spring or early summer.