Overview
Microlepia strigosa is a clump forming ferns in the genus Microlepia, part of the Dennstaedtiaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Microlepia strigosa grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
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.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Microlepia strigosa
About the genus
Microlepia is a genus of ferns in the family Dennstaedtiaceae described as a genus in 1836. Most of the species are native to Asia, with many endemic to China, although a few species occur also in Australia, Africa, the West Indies, Latin America, and various oceanic islands.Species
Wikipedia contributors, "Microlepia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Microlepia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Microlepia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Microlepia strigosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Microlepia strigosa
- Propagation
- Division in spring, sowing spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Microlepia strigosa?
Microlepia strigosa prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Microlepia strigosa need?
Microlepia strigosa grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Microlepia strigosa hardy in the UK?
Microlepia strigosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Microlepia strigosa?
Division in spring, sowing spores.
