Kangaroo and Crocodile Ferns

How to choose a kangaroo fern

The Kangaroo Fern (Microsorum diversifolium) is native to south eastern Australia and New Zealand. Its glossy, dark green fronds vary on the one plant, some simple and strap shaped, others deeply lobed, and it spreads by rhizomes that creep over soil, rocks and logs. The Kangaroo Fern Hanging Basket is the same fern grown to spill over the sides of a basket.

The Crocodile Fern Crocodyllus is a tropical species with long, light green fronds netted with dark veins, much like crocodile skin. The Terrestrial Elkhorn Fern and the Green Flame Fern are forms of Microsorum punctatum, with upright, strappy fronds. The first has forked, crested tips that give it its common name. The Green Wave Fern is another warm climate member of the group.

Where kangaroo ferns grow

The native Kangaroo Fern grows outdoors in shade from cool temperate to subtropical climates, from Tasmania and Melbourne up to Brisbane. It tolerates light frost under tree cover and, once established, short dry spells. Use it under trees, on the shaded south side of a house, in a fernery, or trained up a tree fern trunk.

The Crocodile Fern and the Microsorum punctatum forms are tropical. They grow outdoors in sheltered shade in frost free subtropical and tropical gardens. Elsewhere they are indoor plants for a warm, bright room out of direct sun, and they appreciate the humidity of a bathroom or kitchen. Cold draughts and frost damage them.

For companions, see our ferns for shady areas, the birds nest ferns and the wider range of indoor plants.

Planting and spacing

Plant in shade or filtered light, in an open, free draining mix with plenty of composted bark. In pots, a good potting mix blended with orchid bark works well. The rhizomes must sit on the surface: do not bury them, or they will rot. Rest them on the mix and peg them down if needed. As a groundcover, space plants 40 to 50 centimetres apart. Wide, shallow pots and baskets suit these ferns better than deep ones, because the roots are shallow.

Care basics

Keep the mix moist but never sodden, and let the surface dry slightly between waterings. Water less in winter. Feed with a half strength liquid fertiliser every few weeks from spring to autumn. Cut old or damaged fronds off at the base. Brown tips and edges usually mean dry air or a mix that has dried right out. Divide crowded plants in spring by cutting off a length of rhizome with roots and fronds attached and pinning it onto fresh mix.

Common questions

Is the kangaroo fern easy to grow?

Yes. It is one of the more forgiving ferns, with leathery fronds that cope with drier air and the odd missed watering.

Can a kangaroo fern grow indoors?

It grows well indoors in bright, indirect light, in a pot or basket, with the mix kept lightly moist.

Why are my crocodile fern fronds browning at the edges?

The air is too dry, or the plant has dried out or been chilled. Move it to a warmer, more humid spot and water more evenly.

Do these ferns take direct sun?

Gentle morning sun is fine. Hot midday and afternoon sun bleaches and scorches the fronds.