Crocodile Fern Plant Complete Care Guide

Fern Group is having many plants in the group but the crocodile fern is one of the famous plants in this group. Do you know why the name of this plant is a crocodile? Because its leaves are like a crocodile as Betel leaf plant with the same interface for the name. It is a tropical plant and easy to care for as an indoor and outdoor plant. It is a simple plant and is loved by many people because of its leaves, and ease to care. Malaysia and Australia are the native regions of this plant, As an outdoor plant, it can grow big in size if all the needs or requirements are filled.

It is having long wavy green and simple leaves. Leaves are also having spores underside which is common for all the foliage. Under proper weather conditions, it can be grown outdoor and it will grow very big as an outdoor plant, but the cool winter season with temperature under than 55-degree Fahrenheit will burn the plant.

It is known by different names which are listed here:

• Microsorum musifolium
•  Crocodile fern
• Crocodylus fern
• Alligator fern

Crocodile Fern Care Guide

To keep this plant healthy you don’t need to give a lot of attention but fill up some basic needs of the plant and it will grow very well.

Light

Low light is suitable for crocodile fern but it will also give good results under bright light conditions. Like many other houseplants, it can also burn in Direct light. You will see some burning leaves of your plant which means it needs low light. A window will be the best place it can get bright light in different ratios and your plant will stay healthy. After some time if your plant shows some issues then you can change its position.

If you have grown it outside, select a fully shaded area where it can get indirect light so your plant will stay happy.

Temperature

The environment of the native is humid and warm so plants will survive better under these conditions. The temperature range is suitable between 65-85℉ but in winter temperature will go down and it can kill the Plant. Keep such sensitive plants away from doors and windows where the temperature is low.

Water

Its water requirements will depend on different conditions like your home, temperature, area, humidity, and soil conditions. Normal like other houseplants your plant will need water when the topmost layer about 2-3 inches is feeling dry and you can check this with your own finger. Always fill up the need of the plant, make sure that water reached the last root of the plant, and don’t allow water to stay in the pot.

Overwatering will bring leaves disease and roots problems like root rot which will kill your plant.

Humidity

As you know mostly tropical plants need a good humidity level and fill up the humidity requirements to have a healthy plant. A humidifier is the best solution to increase the humidity around a small area and it will work for many plants which need extra humidity levels. Low humidity will bring some leaf disease and you can see some brown spots on the leaves.

Fertilizers

The growing season is best to fertilize crocodile plants but extra fertilizers will burn your plant. I mostly use liquid fertilizers but an extra dose can burn the plant which will hurt you.

Pests

It’s very rare to spot any pest on crocodile fern but in some rare cases, you can spot any bug or mealybug on the plant and prevent them from using natural or homemade chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions