Psilotum nudum
skeleton fork fern
Pantropical, including eastern and northern Australia
Container Friendly
Native to North America
Overview
Psilotum nudum is an evergreen, fern-like plant that lacks true roots and leaves, consisting instead of slender, green, repeatedly forked stems 8-30 inches (20-75 cm) long that carry out photosynthesis. The stems are three-angled and rise in tufts from a branching underground rhizome covered in absorbing hairs and fungi in place of roots. Tiny scale-like outgrowths take the place of leaves. Reproduction is by spores held in rounded, three-lobed yellow structures (synangia) spaced along the upper stems; the plant has no flowers or seeds. It grows as an epiphyte on tree bases and tree-fern trunks, in rock crevices, and in well-drained ground in shaded, humid sites. Growth is slow, and clumps build up gradually over several years. The plant tolerates short dry spells but needs steady humidity and shade, declining in full sun and dry air. Spores germinate into a tiny underground stage that depends on soil fungi, which makes the plant slow to establish from spores.
Native Range
Widespread in tropical and warm-temperate regions worldwide, including eastern and northern Australia. Grows in humid, shaded sites on tree bases, tree-fern trunks, rock crevices, and well-drained soil, from the coast to lower mountain slopes.Suggested Uses
Grown as a curiosity in pots, hanging baskets, ferneries, and terrariums in shaded, humid positions. Establishes on tree-fern trunks and shaded rockwork in frost-free gardens. Not suited to dry, sunny, or exposed sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'6"
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
As a fern relative, Psilotum nudum does not flower. It reproduces by spores carried in three-lobed yellow synangia along the stems, which ripen mainly in the warmer months. Spore release depends on warmth and humidity and varies through the year.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Green stems (leafless)Growing 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
Psilotum nudum grows in shaded to partly shaded, humid positions in free-draining, organic-rich media, and adapts to pots and hanging baskets. Steady moisture and humidity sustain growth, while waterlogging causes the rhizome to rot. The plant tolerates short dry periods but browns in dry air and direct sun. Fertiliser needs are low, matching its nutrient-poor habitats. Plants are usually increased by division of established clumps, as growth from spores is slow and depends on soil fungi. Pests are uncommon under glass and indoors.Pruning
No regular pruning is needed. Dead or browned stems are cut off at the base as they age. Crowded clumps are divided to maintain vigour and contain their spread.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons