Drynaria rigidula
basket fern
Northern Australia and South-East Asia
Overview
An epiphytic or rock-dwelling fern with a stout, creeping rhizome covered in brown scales, forming clumps 24-60 inches (60-150 cm) across. It bears two frond types: short, brown, papery nest fronds 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long that collect litter and moisture at the base, and long green foliage fronds 24-48 inches (60-120 cm) long, deeply divided into many narrow segments. The foliage fronds arch outward and carry round spore clusters in two rows beneath the segments. New fronds emerge through the warm, wet months. Growth is moderate, the rhizome creeping over bark, rock, and basket edges. Foliage fronds brown and shed during prolonged dry or cold periods.
Native Range
Native to northern Australia, South-East Asia, and the south-western Pacific. Grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches and on rocks in rainforest, monsoon forest, and along streams in warm, humid lowlands.Suggested Uses
Grown as an epiphyte mounted on bark or slabs and in hanging baskets in warm, humid, shaded positions, including ferneries and greenhouses. Suits frost-free gardens where it can grow on trees or rocks. Indoors it needs bright, indirect light and steady humidity.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Ferns do not flower. The plant reproduces by spores carried in round clusters arranged in two rows beneath the foliage frond segments. Spores ripen through the warm, wet months. New fronds unfurl mainly in spring and summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Green fronds with brown nest frondsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water regularly to keep the rhizome and mounting medium moist through the growing season, reducing in cool weather. Grows in bright, filtered light to part shade, away from harsh direct sun that scorches the fronds. Mount on bark, a slab, or in a coarse, free-draining epiphyte mix or basket. Mist in dry air; low humidity browns the frond tips. Scale insects can appear on the rhizome, and few other pests occur. Feed lightly through the warm months.Pruning
Remove dead or browned foliage fronds at the base as they age. Leave the brown nest fronds in place, as they collect litter and moisture. Divide the creeping rhizome in spring to propagate or contain it. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons