Crocodile Fern (4")

Crocodile Fern

Name (Common)
Crocodile Fern

Latin Name
Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodyllus'

Care Difficulty
Easy to Moderate. A striking tropical fern that thrives with consistent moisture, warmth, and moderate humidity.

Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light to medium light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. It grows well near east- or north-facing windows.

Water Requirements
Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Water when the top inch of soil begins to dry. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity (50 to 70%). Higher humidity helps keep the foliage lush and prevents brown leaf edges.

Pet Safety
Pet safe. Non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Growth Speed
Moderate. Produces new fronds steadily throughout the growing season.

Expected Mature Size

• Height: 2 to 3 feet
• Width: 2 to 4 feet

Pot Size
Repot every 2 to 3 years or when roots become crowded. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture in a container with drainage holes.

Where it Grows Best
Indoors in temperatures between 65 and 80°F (18 to 27°C). It thrives in bright bathrooms, kitchens, offices, and other warm rooms with indirect light. In Zone 3, it can also be enjoyed outdoors in a shaded location during the summer and brought indoors before temperatures fall below 55°F (13°C).

Perfect for…

• Pet-friendly homes
• Tropical plant collections
• Bathrooms
• Bright offices
• Statement foliage displays
• Anyone looking for unusual textured foliage

Common Mistakes

• Allowing the soil to dry out completely.
• Overwatering in poorly drained soil.
• Placing the plant in direct sunlight.
• Growing in very dry air.
• Exposing the plant to cold drafts or temperatures below 55°F (13°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called a Crocodile Fern?
Its large, glossy fronds develop a distinctive raised pattern that resembles the textured skin of a crocodile, making it one of the most unique ferns available.

Can I grow it in lower light?
Yes. Crocodile Fern grows well in medium light but produces its healthiest growth in bright, indirect light.

Why are my leaf tips turning brown?
Brown tips are usually caused by low humidity, inconsistent watering, or allowing the soil to become too dry. Increasing humidity and keeping the soil evenly moist will help prevent this.

How often should I fertilize it?
Feed once a month during spring and summer with a balanced water-soluble houseplant fertilizer at half strength. Do not fertilize during the winter months.

Can I grow it outdoors?
Yes. In Zone 3, it makes an excellent patio or shaded garden container plant during the summer. Bring it indoors before cool fall temperatures arrive.

Should I remove old fronds?
Yes. Trim yellow, brown, or damaged fronds at the base of the plant to encourage fresh new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.

Shipping Guarantee

Every Crocodile Fern is carefully inspected, watered, and securely packaged before shipping. Extra care is taken to protect its unique textured fronds so your plant arrives healthy and ready to grow.

Healthy Arrival Guarantee

We stand behind the quality of our plants. If your Crocodile Fern arrives with significant shipping damage or in poor condition, contact us within 24 hours of delivery with clear photos of the plant and its packaging. We will gladly work with you to provide an appropriate replacement or store credit in accordance with our Healthy Arrival Guarantee policy.