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Microsorum diversifolium
Kangaroo Paw Fern
Australia — hence the 'kangaroo' name
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
9 - 11These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Microsorum diversifolium is the kangaroo paw fern, growing 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. Dark green glossy thick fronds with irregular shapes — some fronds are simple and undivided, others have 2–5 broad lobes. The species name 'diversifolium' means 'varied leaves,' describing this variable frond morphology. The thick, leathery leaf texture contrasts with the delicate fronds of genera such as Adiantum or Nephrolepis. Fuzzy brown creeping rhizomes grow visibly over the pot rim — this is normal epiphytic behavior and the rhizome should not be buried. Tolerates occasional soil drying and lower humidity (30%+) due to the thicker leaf tissue, which reduces transpiration. Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Native to Australia, where it grows as an epiphyte or lithophyte in rainforest understory. Requires well-draining media; standard potting soil retains too much moisture. Growth rate is moderate. The variable frond shapes on the same plant can cause misidentification — not all fronds will match.
Native Range
Microsorum diversifolium is native to Australia.Suggested Uses
Grown in containers of 1–2 gallons (4–8 liters) with well-draining epiphytic media. Suited to tabletops and shelves in bright indirect to moderate light. Hanging baskets where the rhizome can cascade. Non-toxic — safe for households with pets.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
Fall Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Ferns do not produce flowers. Round sori form on the underside of fronds in scattered arrangements.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark green, glossy, thick, irregularly shaped fronds — some simple, some lobed — on fuzzy brown creeping rhizomesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-5 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
Bright indirect to moderate light. Allow the top inch (2.5 cm) of media to dry between waterings — tolerates occasional drying better than thin-fronded ferns. Use well-draining epiphytic media. Do not bury the creeping rhizome. Non-toxic to pets.Pruning
Remove dead fronds at the base. The creeping rhizome growing over the pot is normal and should not be trimmed.Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons