Unusual, Easy-Care Fern
Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light, Low Light)
Average Watering Needs
Mature Height 12 Inches
Pet Safe

Kangaroo Paw Fern grows fuzzy rhizomes on the surface of the soil. These roots hold extra moisture and resemble Kangaroo paws. Large, leathery leaves are produced year-round, giving this fern a tropical feel. During the summer, Kangaroo Paw Fern forms very pronounced spores along the underside of its fronds. These can be collected and planted to propagate new plants if you want a challenge.

Best Locations For Growing Kangaroo Paw Fern

Rooms with naturally high humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens are perfect for ferns. This one is better adapted to the lower humidity of a living room or bedroom and works in just about any space. Kangaroo Paw is considered non-toxic and is an excellent air-purifying plant.

Kangaroo Paw Fern Sunlight Requirements

Place this plant in any light level, from filtered bright light to low light. North, east, or west-facing windows are ideal, although Kangaroo Paw will grow well in a room with southern exposure, away from the window.

Kangaroo Paw Fern Care

Repotting is only needed when the potting soil cannot retain moisture. The fern’s roots growing out of the pot need air and are not an indicator that the plant is pot-bound. Many gardeners prefer to grow this fern in unglazed terra cotta pots that naturally circulate more air and are quicker to drain after watering. Do not bury all of the fuzzy rhizomes when repotting. Encourage some to hang over the sides of the pot or lay across the soil.

Watering Kangaroo Paw Fern

The soil needs to stay slightly moist for this fern. Watering the pot from the bottom in a basin of room-temperature water is the perfect technique. This will prevent the rhizomes from getting wet and rotting while providing moisture for the smooth roots under the soil. Watering once a week is typical year-round. Increase the humidity around this fern using pebble trays or a portable room humidifier.

Feeding kangaroo Paw Fern

Fertilize only in the spring and summer while the growth is at its fastest; every 4-6 weeks, use a diluted, liquid fertilizer formulated for houseplants. Choose a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10.

Kangaroo Paw Fern Information

Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light, Low Light

Care Requirements: Easy

Watering Requirements: Average - Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.

Pet Friendly: Yes

Kid Friendly: Yes

Air Purifier: Low

Habit: Trailing

Growth Rate: Fast

Mature Height: 12 inches

Mature Spread: 36 inches

Flowering: No

Flower Color(s): None

Flower Shade/Description: Grown for Foliage

Fragrant: No

Foliage Type:

Foliage Color(s): Green

Foliage Description: Green

Temperature: 60° - 90°F (16° - 32°C)

Humidity: 75% Or Above

Common Name: Kangaroo Paw Fern

Other Name(s): Hound's Tongue, Kangaroo Foot

Scientific Name: Microsorum diversifolium

Plant Type: House Plant

SKU:: Fern_Kangaroo.Paw-HP

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

For more detailed information, please click here.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Plant Shipping

Time of Order:

Summer Shipping

If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.

We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location

Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.

It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.

Kangaroo Paw Fern