Tongue Fern

Tongue Fern (Pyrrosia lingua) is an uncommon Asian fern with long, tapering, sword shaped leaves on slender, dark stems. It stays small at about 20cm high and 20cm wide, forms a handsome groundcover and thrives where little else will grow: deep shade, shady banks, under trees and even on a tree branch. Unlike many ferns, it is cold hardy.

Why you'll love it

• Happy in deep shade. It grows in full shade and under trees, where lawn and most flowering plants refuse to settle.
• Cold hardy. It is frost hardy and cold hardy, so you can plant it outside with confidence in cooler gardens.
• A fern that climbs trees. It is an epiphyte, so it can be tied into a tree branch or trunk as well as planted in the ground.
• Clean, shapely leaves. Firm, sword shaped leaves with smooth edges stand on dark stems and give a tidy, architectural look.
• Small and versatile. At about 20cm it also suits pots, terrariums and indoor displays.

Where it works best

Shady banks and slopes. Plant 20cm apart on a shaded slope or bank. This fern prefers a slope to the flat, and the leaves cover the ground as it spreads.

Tree trunks and branches. Tie a plant into a branch with old tights or stretchy bands, in a spot that gets a little dappled light. It grows well on tree trunks.

Under trees. Use it as a groundcover for deep shade beneath mature trees, where it needs little more than occasional water in dry weeks.

Pots and terrariums. Its small size and neat habit suit containers, terrariums and bright indoor spots.

Growing Tongue Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled light to full shade, under trees or on a shaded slope. It is cold hardy and frost hardy and enjoys humidity, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens.

Soil. Plant it into the ground on a slope, which it prefers to flat ground, in free draining soil. Alternatively, tie it into a tree branch where it can get a little dappled light.

Water and feed. Water in dry summer weeks, and add diluted seaweed solution once a month. Reduce watering and feeding in winter.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Remove any tatty old leaves to keep the clump tidy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Tongue Fern as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It is an uncommon fern, so expect a small plant with a few firm leaves, and be patient while it settles into its shady home. Plant it on a slope or tie it to a branch soon after it arrives, and water it in.

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

• Plants for full shade
• Ferns for shady areas
• The best groundcovers for shade
• Plants for retaining walls and banks

Common questions

Can I grow it on a tree?

Yes. It is an epiphyte, so tie it into a branch or trunk with old tights or stretchy bands, in a spot with a little dappled light. It also grows well in the ground.

Does it need a slope?

It prefers a slope to flat ground, so a shady bank is the ideal position. A tilted pocket in a rockery or wall works too.

Is it frost hardy?

Yes. It is cold hardy and frost hardy, and it enjoys humidity, so it can be planted outside in cooler gardens.