Green Flame Fern

Green Flame Fern (Microsorum punctatum 'Green Flame') is a medium-sized fern with glossy apple-green leaves that stand upright instead of spreading into a wide rosette. It grows about 50cm tall and 50cm wide, and as it matures the leaf tips curl, split and frill. It suits shaded, frost free gardens and indoor pots, and takes up very little floor space.

Why you'll love it

• It stays upright. Most ferns broaden into wide rosettes. This one holds its shape, so it sits happily in a hallway or a corner without taking over.
• Glossy apple-green leaves. Mature plants develop curled, frilled tips that give the clump a ruffled, almost lettuce-like look.
• Many planting spots. It grows in the forks of trees, wall crevices and rock cracks as well as in the ground and in pots.
• Works indoors. It is grown as a houseplant for bright rooms away from direct sun.
• Easy going. Shade, shelter and steady moisture are about all it asks for.

Where it works best

Shaded tropical gardens. Plant 50cm apart as underplanting beneath trees or along a shaded path. Mulch after planting to hold moisture and keep soil temperatures steady.

Indoors. Grow it in a pot in a bright room out of direct sun. Its upright habit keeps it tidy on a stand, shelf or floor.

Tree forks, walls and rocks. Tuck a plant into a crevice or the fork of a tree where moisture gathers and the position stays sheltered.

Growing Green Flame Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Shade and shelter. It wants a frost free spot, which makes it a natural for tropical and subtropical gardens. It may tolerate a light frost once established, but young plants need protection. In cooler districts, grow it indoors.

Soil. Free-draining soil. Mulch after planting to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature while the young plant establishes.

Water and feed. Keep it moist through dry periods and ease off in winter. Ferns like humidity and prefer wet leaves to wet roots. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring and a liquid fertiliser every 4 weeks in the warmer months, diluted to half the recommended dose to avoid burn.

Pruning. Very little is needed. Cut off any damaged or browned leaves at the base, and re-pot container plants when they outgrow their pots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Green Flame Fern as tube stock only. A tube is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once potted on or planted into a shaded, sheltered spot. Expect a small plant on arrival: the upright habit and the frilled tips develop as it matures. Plants travel upright, and a few weeks in humid, warm conditions gets new leaves moving.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Ferns for shady areas
• Growing ferns in Australia: light, humidity and placement
• More indoor plants for bright rooms
• Plants for full shade

Common questions

Can I grow Green Flame Fern indoors?

Yes. It is grown as a houseplant, and its upright habit means it does not need much floor space. Give it a bright spot away from direct sun and keep the potting mix evenly moist.

How often should I water it?

Keep it moist through dry periods and reduce watering in winter. It is happier with wet leaves than wet roots, so use free-draining mix and never let the pot stand in water.

Will it cope with frost?

Protect it from frost. It may tolerate a light frost once established, but a frost free, shaded and sheltered position is the safe choice.