Kangaroo Fern

Kangaroo Fern (Microsorum diversifolium, now classified as Zealandia pustulata) is a low creeping fern that sits around 40cm tall and spreads by surface rhizome to roughly a metre across. The fronds are thick and leathery rather than lacy, with irregular lobes that give the plant its name. Native to eastern Australia and New Zealand, it is far tougher than most ferns and not toxic to cats or dogs.

Why you'll love it

• A fern that forgives you. Leathery fronds hold moisture far better than soft ferns, so a missed watering does not end in a crisp brown clump.
• It spreads and fills. Rhizomes creep along the surface and knit into a continuous green carpet over ground that would otherwise need mulching twice a year.
• Safe with pets. Not toxic to cats or dogs, which matters for a plant that lives at ground level.
• Indoors or out, anywhere in the country. It grows in tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens, and just as happily in a pot inside.

Where it works best

Groundcover and mass planting. Plant 50cm apart for a spreading fern carpet under trees, along shaded fence lines and in courtyards that never see sun. The rhizomes close the gaps within a season or two.

Pots, baskets and borders. The creeping habit spills over a pot rim or low wall, and makes a soft green edge to a shaded path.

Growing kangaroo fern in Australia

Position and climate. Full to part shade, or bright indirect light indoors. Direct midday sun bleaches and burns the fronds. It handles light frost only, so in cold inland and southern districts plant it under a canopy or keep it potted and sheltered.

Soil. Moist, humus rich and free draining. Work compost or aged leaf litter through the bed before planting, then mulch lightly. It tolerates ground that stays wet after rain, but the rhizomes should sit on the surface rather than be buried.

Water and feed. Keep the soil evenly damp, especially through the first summer and in pots, which dry out quickly. Half strength liquid fertiliser once a month through spring and summer is plenty. Heavy feeding burns fern roots.

Pruning. Cut old or damaged fronds off at the base in early spring, before the new flush unrolls. Clumps that outgrow their space split easily by cutting through the rhizome.

What to expect when it arrives

It comes as tube stock, in packs of ten 140mm pots and packs of six 200mm pots. Tubes are small, two or three fronds, and the economical way to cover a large shaded area over two seasons. The 140mm and 200mm plants already have a spreading rhizome and look established on day one.

Ferns travel well when packed upright and are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect a few weeks of stillness while the roots settle, then a new flush of fronds. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Where ferns actually thrive in a garden
• Browse ferns for shady areas
• The best groundcovers for shade
• Compare pet friendly indoor plants

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Fifty centimetres apart for a continuous carpet. The rhizomes travel sideways, so closer planting only costs you more plants for the same result.

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. It is not toxic to cats or dogs, which makes it one of the safer choices for a shaded courtyard or a pot at floor level.

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes. Give it bright indirect light and keep the mix damp but never sodden. A bathroom or a shaded window works well.

Will it take sun or frost?

Neither in quantity. Midday sun scorches the fronds and it handles light frost only. A tree canopy or covered patio protects it from both.