Kangaroo Ferns, also known by their scientific names Microsorum diversifolium or Microsorum pustulatum, are a popular choice for houseplants, particularly because of their unique frond shape that resembles a kangaroo’s foot. This article is your go-to guide for Kangaroo Fern Care. Native to Australia and New Zealand, these attractive ferns have gained global popularity and are now a mainstay in homes and offices around the world. Their lush appearance and relatively easy care requirements make them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
👀 Overview
Before diving into care, let’s go over the key features and attributes of the Kangaroo Fern that make it such a distinctive houseplant.
Description and Features
Kangaroo Ferns are evergreen perennials with a spreading, low and mound-like growth habit. Mature plants reach about 1 foot tall and 3-4 feet wide. The foliage is comprised of long, slender fronds that can grow up to 6 inches long.
The fronds emerge from hairy, creeping rhizomes and come in a variety of shapes even on the same plant, from smooth and strap-like to deeply lobed and resembling a kangaroo’s paw, hence the common name. Mature fronds take on a leather-like texture.
The foliage is a deep, glossy green color with a hint of blue. Tiny, mustard-yellow spore cases may occasionally appear on the underside of the fronds. The plant does not flower.
Native Habitat
In the wild, Kangaroo Ferns are native to the east coast of Australia and parts of New Zealand. They thrive in warm, humid forests and rainforests growing terrestrially on the forest floor or as epiphytes attached to trees and logs.
Kangaroo Ferns favors moist, well-draining, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Their natural habitat experiences mild winters and warm, humid summers with regular rainfall.
Toxicity
Kangaroo Ferns are non-toxic to humans, pets, and other houseplants making them safe for homes with children and pets.
| 📖 Common name | Kangaroo Fern, Hound's Tongue, Kangaroo Paw Fern |
| 🔬 Botanical name | Microsorum diversifolium, Microsorum pustulatum |
| 🫴 Care Difficulty level | Moderate |
| ☠️ Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
| 💨 Air-purifying Qualities | Yes |
| 🌱 Soil Type and pH | Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral |
| ☀️ Sun Exposure | Bright, indirect light |
| 🍪 Edibility | Not edible |
| 🌴 Plant type | Fern |
| 🍃 Foliage Type | Evergreen |
| 🌿 Color of leaves | Green |
| 🌸 Flower color | N/A |
| 💥 Bloom time | N/A |
| 🚀 Growth Speed | Moderate |
| 📏 Mature Size | Up to 2 feet tall and wide |
| 🔄 Life Cycle | Perennial |
| 🌍 Hardiness zones | 9-11 |
| 🗺️ Native area | Australia, New Zealand |
💚 Kangaroo Fern Care
Kangaroo ferns are native to tropical environments but have become a popular houseplant. With the right care, these distinctive ferns can thrive indoors to add unique, eye-catching texture to any space.
☀️ Light ☀️
While Kangaroo Ferns prefer bright, indirect light, they are flexible when it comes to their light needs. In their native habitat, they often grow in shaded understories.
When grown as houseplants, aim to provide moderate to bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window is ideal. Direct southern exposure may be tolerated if gently filtered through a sheer curtain. Avoid direct western sun as it may scorch the foliage.
If you don’t have a bright spot, Kangaroo Ferns can tolerate low light areas. However, growth may slow and fronds will become smaller and sparser. Rotate the plant periodically to encourage even growth.
💧 Water
Kangaroo Ferns should be kept evenly moist but not soggy or wet. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. During the warmer months, you may need to water twice a week. In winter when growth has slowed, you may only need to water every 10-14 days.
Always water thoroughly until it drains freely from the drainage holes. The fronds may become droopy or curl when underwatered. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Ideally, use room temperature filtered or distilled water if possible. Tap water with added chlorine may damage the frond tips. Let tap water sit out overnight before using to allow the chlorine to dissipate.
🪴 Soil
- Drainage – Kangaroo Ferns need very well-draining soil. Add perlite, pumice, or bark to improve drainage.
- Peat moss – Incorporate peat moss to help retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain. Peat also provides nutrients.
- Compost – High-quality compost contributes organic matter and nutrients. Look for mixes formulated for containers.
- Coarse sand – A small amount of sand can enhance drainage.
- Soil depth – Use a pot with at least 5-6 inches of soil depth to accommodate spreading rhizomes. Shallow pots lead to root-bound plants.
- pH – Kangaroo Ferns prefer slightly acidic soil around 6.0-6.5 pH.
- Aeration – Perlite or pumice improves aeration. You can also place pebbles at the bottom of the pot.
The ideal soil should retain some moisture but drain well and be aerated. Test different mixes to find the right balance for your climate.
🍼 Fertilizer
Kangaroo Ferns are light feeders but perform best with occasional fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer and reduce to every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter.
Never fertilize a stressed plant. If repotting, wait a few weeks before resuming fertilizer to prevent root burn. Excess fertilizer can cause tip damage on the fronds. Flush the soil monthly with plain water to prevent buildup.
🌡️ Temperature
Indoors, Kangaroo Ferns do best with temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C). They can tolerate brief drops to 50°F (10°C) at night. Avoid prolonged exposure below 55°F (13°C) as this can damage the foliage.
If you want to move your Kangaroo Fern outside for the summer, make sure overnight temperatures stay above 60°F (16°C). They are not frost hardy. High temperatures above 85°F (30°C) can cause heat stress.
When temperatures start to drop in fall, it’s time to bring the plant back indoors. Sudden shifts in temperature can shock the plant, so make location changes gradually.
💦 Humidity
Like many tropical ferns, Kangaroo Ferns prefer a humid environment. Ideal indoor humidity levels are 55-70%. Unfortunately, most homes fall short of this range.
You can boost humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, grouping other plants together to create a greenhouse effect, using a humidifier nearby, or misting regularly.
Keep the plant away from hot, dry air sources like heating vents that may dessicate the foliage. Brown leaf tips are a sign the air is too dry.
📃 Types of Kangaroo Fern
Kangaroo ferns belong to the genus Microsorum, which contains several different species. Here are some of the most common types kept as houseplants:
- Microsorum diversifolium (Kangaroo Paw Fern): This is the most common and recognizable type of kangaroo fern. It has bright green, leathery fronds with a distinct furry, leathery texture. The fronds are deeply lobed and have a distinct “kangaroo paw” shape.
- Microsorum punctatum (Monkey Fern): This type has more delicate, triangular shaped fronds compared to the kangaroo paw fern. The fronds have many small round lobes along the edges, giving them a frilly appearance.
- Microsorum musifolium (Crocodile Fern): This species has glossy, elongated triangular fronds. The leaves grow in a feather-like or fern-like pattern.
- Microsorum membranifolium (Javanese Fern): This fern has bright green, narrow fronds with ruffled, undulating edges. The leaf tissue is thin and almost translucent.
- Microsorum steerei (Blue Oil Fern): This is a rare, hybrid fern with delicate looking fronds.
Though they vary in leaf shape and texture, all types of kangaroo ferns have similar care needs. Providing the right growing conditions is more important than choosing a specific species or cultivar.
🪴 Potting and Repotting Kangaroo Fern
Kangaroo Ferns prefer being slightly root-bound and will tolerate tight quarters. But it’s important not to restrict their growth too much.
For young plants or divisions, start with a 6 inch pot and then repot into an 8-10 inch container once established. Mature Kangaroo Ferns reach 3-4 feet wide and may need a 12-14 inch diameter pot.
Choose containers with drainage holes and use a peat-based, soilless potting mix amended with peat moss or bark to maintain the acidic soil Kangaroo Ferns prefer.
Repot every 2-3 years in spring before growth takes off. Gently loosen and divide the rootball. Trim off any dead roots and fronds.
✂️ Pruning Kangaroo Fern
Occasional pruning keeps Kangaroo Ferns full and compact. Prune out any dead, damaged, or diseased fronds at the base with clean shears. Remove spent foliage as needed to keep its appearance neat.
If your plant is getting too large for its space, you can prune back the rhizomes and fronds by 1/3 during repotting. This is also a great time for propagating divisions.
🌱 How to Propagate Kangaroo Fern
Kangaroo Ferns are easy to propagate through rhizome division when repotting. Each division should have a few fronds and healthy roots attached.
You can also propagate by removing a frond and attaching it to moist potting mix so the base is just touching. Enclose in a plastic bag until roots form then pot up.
Spores can also be collected and sown but this method is more challenging. Start with divisions for the highest success rate when propagating Kangaroo Ferns.
🐛 Common Pests
Kangaroo Ferns are prone to common houseplant pests like mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Keep an eye out for cottony or sticky residue, bumps on leaves, or webbing which indicates pests.
Isolate and prune off affected parts immediately. Remove pests with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Treat remaining plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap following label directions.
Prevent pests by providing good care and not letting plants become stressed. Keep them out of direct sun, avoid over and under-watering, and maintain humidity.
🩺 Common Problems With Kangaroo Fern
Even when provided with proper care, Kangaroo Ferns may show signs of distress. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
- Dry, brown leaf tips – Increase humidity. Move away from hot, dry air vents.
- Sparse, small leaves – Increase light exposure.
- Yellowing lower leaves – Usually natural shedding of older leaves but can indicate overwatering.
- Drooping fronds – Check for under or overwatering and adjust as needed.
- Rapid frond drop – Could signal root rot from overwatering. Repot in fresh mix.
- Brown spots/edges – May indicate fertilizer burn, flush soil to remove excess salts.
🖼️ Display Ideas
Kangaroo Ferns make astatement wherever they are placed. Here are some ideas for showing off their unique form:
Choosing a Pot or Planter
Kangaroo Ferns look great in hanging baskets or pots that allow their trailing rhizomes to spill over the edges.
For hanging baskets, choose large spherical pots at least 12-14 inches in diameter. Make sure the basket has drainage holes and hang where the fronds won’t directly touch the floor.
For floor pots, select wide, shallow containers like soup tureens or low bowls. This displays the horizontal spread of the fronds.
Use cachepots without drainage for decorative displays. Just place the nursery pot inside and remove it to water.
Pairing with Other Plants
The bold, almost prehistoric look of the Kangaroo Fern makes an interesting contrast with more delicate ferns like bird’s nest ferns.
Let them spill over the sides of a container mixed with creeping inch plants or ivy for a cascading indoor garden.
Or play up the jungle vibe by combining them with palms, philodendron, and other tropicals with large dramatic leaves.
Ideas for Placement in the Home
Kangaroo Ferns are suitable for almost any room in the house. Here are some ideas:
- Entryway plant stand or console table
- Kitchen shelving near a bright window
- Living room coffee or side table
- Home office on a desk or file cabinet
- Bathroom counter, vanity or shelf
- Bedroom dresser or nightstand
Use them as an accent plant to add texture and contrast. The cascading rhizomes look great on tiered plant stands.
Let them trail off mantels or high shelves for an elevated display. Just keep them out of direct sun and away from hot, dry air vents.
👍 Pro Tips for Healthy Growth
Follow these tips for keeping your Kangaroo Fern healthy and thriving:
- Provide bright, indirect light and avoid direct sun exposure.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated.
- Mist frequently or use a humidifier to maintain 50-60% humidity.
- Flush the soil monthly to prevent fertilizer salt buildup.
- Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Repot before it becomes severely root bound.
- Propagate new plants from divisions every few years.
- Remove spent fronds and dead growth as needed.
- Rotate the plant if growth appears lopsided.
- Keep pests at bay by providing good care and conditions.
❓ FAQ
Kangaroo Ferns thrive in moderate to bright indirect light. Direct sun will scorch their leaves. An east or west-facing window is ideal.
These ferns like evenly moist soil. Water when the top inch becomes dry, usually once a week in summer and every 2-3 weeks in winter. Don’t let them sit in water.
Indoor temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C) are ideal. Avoid prolonged cold below 55°F (13°C). They enjoy humidity between 50-70%.
Repot every 2-3 years in the spring before growth takes off. Gently divide rootbound plants into smaller sections.
These ferns propagate easily through division of the rhizomes when repotting. You can also try rooting frond cuttings.
This can indicate dry air, overwatering, or fertilizer buildup. Increase humidity, adjust watering, or flush the soil. Remove damaged fronds.
Drooping fronds usually signal inconsistent watering. Check if the soil is too dry or too wet and adjust your watering pattern.
Group with other tropical-looking plants like philodendron, palms, or ferns for a jungle effect. Or contrast the large fronds with delicate ferns.
No, Kangaroo Ferns are non-toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and other housepets according to the ASPCA. They are safe for homes with pets.
📝 Final Thoughts
With their uniquely shaped fronds and spreading growth habit, Kangaroo Ferns make a bold statement in any indoor garden. While they require a bit more humidity than some houseplants, their ability to handle low light makes them ideal for homes without bright windows.
By providing the proper care outlined here including moderate light, consistent moisture, good drainage, and protection from hot, dry air, you can keep your Kangaroo Fern thriving for years to come.
Repot every couple of years to refresh the soil and propagate new plants. Prune and clean any dead growth as needed to maintain its lush appearance. Mist frequently, provide a pebble tray, or use a humidifier to recreate their preferred humid environment.
Thanks for reading this complete guide to growing healthy and happy Kangaroo Ferns indoors. May your new plant bring a touch of the tropics to your home!
📚 Further Reading
📚 Visit the Kangaroo Fern Hub Page for more info about this plant
📗 Boston Fern
📗 Staghorn Fern
📗 Bird’s Nest Fern
📗 Maidenhair Fern
📚 References
📘 Species Details for ID 5506 – Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science.
📘 Microsorum pustulatum – Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
📘 Microsorum pustulatum ssp. pustulatum – Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
📘 Wikidata Entry Q17171700 – Wikidata.
📘 Category: Microsorum diversifolium – Wikimedia Commons.
