Kangaroo Fern

Kangaroo Fern (Microsorum pustulatum) is a glossy-leaved native fern for shade, reaching about 30cm tall and 60cm wide. Young fronds start whole, then divide into lobed leaves as the plant grows, held on dark brown-black stems that contrast with the bright green. It suits the ground, a pot, a tree fork or a crack in a wall.

Why you'll love it

• Glossy, changing leaves. New fronds begin entire and develop deep lobes with age, so one plant shows several leaf shapes at once.
• Dark stems for contrast. The brown-black stems set off the bright leaf colour and add definition in a shaded bed.
• A true Australian fern. It grows alongside Blechnum ferns in the wild, which makes it a natural fit in a native or subtropical planting.
• Grows where little else will. It is happy in tree forks, wall crevices and rock cracks, as well as in the ground.
• Good indoors. It makes a fine large houseplant when given a bright spot out of direct sun.

Where it works best

Underplanting and shade gardens. Plant 50cm apart beneath trees and tall shrubs, where its leaves cover bare ground and soften trunks and stone.

Subtropical borders. Its glossy foliage brings elegance to a shaded border of palms, gingers and other leafy plants.

Pots and indoors. A large pot in bright, indirect light makes a feature houseplant. Rotate it every so often so it grows evenly.

Walls and rocks. Tuck a plant into a crevice or the fork of a tree, where it will creep along and settle in naturally.

Growing Kangaroo Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Choose a shaded, sheltered spot. It thrives in humid conditions, which suits subtropical and warm temperate gardens. Protect it from frost, although an established plant may tolerate a light frost.

Soil. Plant in free draining soil. Mulch after planting to hold moisture and moderate soil temperature while the young plant establishes.

Water and feed. Keep it moist during dry periods and reduce watering in winter. Ferns prefer wet leaves to wet roots. Apply slow release fertiliser in spring and a liquid feed every four weeks in the warmer months, diluted to half the recommended strength to avoid burn.

Pruning and repotting. Remove old, tired fronds at the base. Re-pot container plants when they outgrow their pots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Kangaroo Fern as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted. It arrives as a small tuft with only a few fronds, and it fills out over a season or two. Tube stock is supplied by our grower and is not always on hand. When the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it returns.

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

• Growing ferns in Australia: light, humidity and placement
• Browse ferns for shady areas
• Plants for full shade
• House and indoor plants

Common questions

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes. Choose a bright room without direct sun, keep the mix evenly moist and rotate the pot now and then so the plant grows evenly.

Will it cope with frost?

Protect it from frost. An established plant may tolerate a light frost, but young plants are vulnerable, so grow it in a pot and move it under cover in colder districts.

Why do the leaves look so different on one plant?

Young fronds start out entire, and mature fronds divide into lobes. A healthy plant carries both, which is a normal part of the species.