About
A semi-evergreen fern with a low-growing habit. Narrow, arching dark green fronds are bipinnate, made up of rounded, lobed pinnae with feathered margins. May be evergreen in warm, sheltered areas.
About the genus
Microlepia is a diverse genus of plants that may be annual, perennial, or woody. Species are cultivated for their flowers, foliage, or architectural habit and are adapted to various climatic conditions
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Houseplants
Care notes
CultivationIn milder areas, may be grown outdoors in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial or dappled shade. Add fleece or mulch over winter. In cooler areas, grow indoors or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter. Under glass, grow in a mixture of two parts peat-free, loam-based compost and one part coarse leaf mould and charcoal, in bright indirect light with high humidity. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningRemove faded fronds as necessary
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, before new growth commences, or by collecting and sowing spores, in containers at 20°C (68°F) as soon as ripe
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free