Leatherleaf Fern

Leatherleaf Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis) is a bold, firm-leaved fern about 1m high and wide, with deep green, deeply cut fronds. It is native across much of the southern hemisphere, including Australia, where it grows on forest floors, in river gullies and in tree forks. In a frost-free shaded garden, or in a pot indoors, it gives dark, textured foliage that lasts.

Why you'll love it

• Bold, dark foliage. Firm, deeply dissected fronds in deep green give structure to a shady bed.
• Long-lasting cut foliage. The tough fronds last well in flower arrangements, which is why florists use them.
• A genuine shade plant. It grows on forest floors and in gullies, so it thrives under trees where little else will.
• Pots, baskets and indoors. It grows well in pots indoors, in hanging baskets, and even in tree forks like an orchid.
• Widely native. It grows wild in Australia and New Zealand, and across South Africa and South America.

Where it works best

Shaded garden beds. Under trees and along shaded walls in frost-free gardens. Plant 80cm apart for a dense planting of overlapping fronds.

Pots and indoors. A handsome potted fern for a bright, sheltered spot. Mist the fronds in warm months.

Baskets and tree forks. In the wild it often grows as an epiphyte, and it can be mounted in a hanging basket or in the fork of a tree.

Growing Leatherleaf Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Shade to part shade, with protection from frost. In frost-free gardens, meaning tropical, subtropical and mild warm temperate coasts, it can live outdoors. In the southern states or inland, take it indoors over winter. It thrives in humid conditions.

Soil. Light, fertile, free-draining soil, acid to neutral. Add perlite to heavy soil. Plant carefully so that the crown of the fern sits above the soil line.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, around 12 weeks, and keep it moist through warm growing periods. Apply slow release fertiliser in spring, then a liquid feed every four weeks in warm months at half the recommended dose.

Pruning. Remove old fronds to keep the plant fresh and avoid disease. Potted plants can be repotted every two to three years, ideally in the cooler months when the plant is dormant.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Leatherleaf Fern as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and also in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and 200mm pots in packs of 6. Ferns settle in steadily rather than quickly, so a larger potted size gives a fuller plant from day one. Whichever you choose, plant promptly and keep it moist.

Because tube stock is supplied by our grower, it is not always available. When it is sold out, use the notify button on this page and we will email you the day it is back.

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
• Ferns for shady areas
• Plants for full shade
• Indoor plants

Common questions

Can it live indoors?

Yes. It makes a handsome potted plant in bright, indirect light. Keep the mix moist, mist in warm months and keep it away from heaters.

Why are the fronds browning?

Old fronds age out naturally, and frost, dry air or too little water also brown them. Remove old fronds, keep the plant moist and shelter it from frost.

How deep should I plant it?

Keep the crown of the fern above the soil line. Burying the crown invites rot, so set it at or slightly above ground level.