Crocodile fern
Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodyllus'
Crocodile fern
- Large epiphytic fern from tropical Asia
- Reptile skin-like leaf structure
- Rosette-like growth habit
- Recommended for large rainforest terrariums
- Also suitable as a ground plant
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Description
The Crocodile fern is a large tropical fern with an ornamental leaf structure. Microsorum musifolium is native to tropical Asia, from southern Myanmar via Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia to Papua New Guinea. In the wild, it grows mainly as an epiphyte on rainforest trees, but it can nevertheless also be cultivated as a ground plant. The specific epithet musifolium means "banana-leaved" and refers to the long, undivided leaves that are arranged in a rosette. These sit on a short creeping rhizome that attaches itself to the support with adhesive roots when the plant grows as an epiphyte. The leaf veins sunk into the upper surface form a decorative pattern reminiscent of reptile skin, hence the name "crocodile fern". Microsorum pteropus 'Crocodyllus' is a patented cultivar of this species. It was selected by a private grower in Kuranda (Australia). 'Crocodyllus' differs from the wild type in its bushier growth, smaller leaves but in larger numbers, smaller rhizomes and faster growth. The plant grows to around 30 - 100 cm tall and 60 - 120 cm wide.
Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodyllus' grows both as a mounted plant with a substrate for epiphytes (e.g. moss) as well as in a pot and on the terrarium floor in a loose, well-drained soil. The substrate is kept slightly moist and should be allowed to dry off on the surface between waterings. Waterlogging leads to rotting and should be avoided. As a plant of humid tropical forests, this fern grows best at around 18 - 28 °C (not below 15 °C for long periods) and higher humidity. The location should be bright, but not in full sun for daylight cultivation. Propagation is achieved by dividing older rhizomes.
Because this eye-catching fern can grow very large over time, it is particularly suitable for large, spacious rainforest terrariums, especially when used as a perch on branches, trunks and back walls, for example. On the terrarium floor, Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodyllus' makes a beautiful solitary plant on the terrarium floor, attracting attention with its leaves reminiscent of scaly reptile skin.
Profile
| Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodyllus' | |
| Cultivation options | Terrestrial, epiphytic, back and side walls |
| Growth height | Approx. 60 - 100 cm |
| Temperature | Approx. 18 - 28 °C |
| Humidity | At least 60 % |
| Light requirement | Bright, for daylight cultivation no direct sun |
| Watering | Keep the substrate moderately moist, avoid waterlogging |
| Fertilising | Houseplant fertiliser about every 4 weeks |
| Propagation | Rhizome splitting |
| Suitable for | Larger tropical rainforest terrariums |
| Cultivation options |
| Terrestrial, epiphytic, back and side walls |
| Growth height |
| Approx. 60 - 100 cm |
| Temperature |
| Approx. 18 - 28 °C |
| Humidity |
| At least 60 % |
| Light requirement |
| Bright, for daylight cultivation no direct sun |
| Watering |
| Keep the substrate moderately moist, avoid waterlogging |
| Fertilising |
| Houseplant fertiliser about every 4 weeks |
| Propagation |
| Rhizome splitting |
| Suitable for |
| Larger tropical rainforest terrariums |
Terrarienpflanzen
Our terrarium plants give every terrarium an individual, natural atmosphere and at the same time provide a healthy environment for all terrarium inhabitants. Our wide range of tropical, subtropical and even arid plants are easy to combine and enhance any terrascape. Whether it's strong succulents, subtle tillandsias, eye-catching neoregelias or wonderful orchids - we offer terrarium plants for different terrascapes from rainforest to desert.
General information
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