Pyrrosia rupestris
rock felt fern
Overview
Pyrrosia rupestris is a small creeping fern that grows over rocks and tree trunks, forming dense mats from a long, branching, wiry rhizome that clings to the surface. It bears two kinds of fronds: sterile fronds are short, rounded to oval, 0.4-1.2 inches (1-3 cm) long, thick and leathery, lying close to the surface; fertile fronds are narrow, erect, and longer, 1.2-3 inches (3-8 cm), with brown spore masses covering the undersides. Both are dull green and covered with minute star-shaped hairs that give a felted texture and reduce water loss. The thick fronds and creeping habit let the fern survive on exposed rock and bark, drying and curling in drought and reviving after rain. The rhizome is densely clothed in brown scales. Growth is slow, the mat spreading gradually as the rhizome branches. It grows in humid forest and on sheltered rock faces, often in colonies covering large areas.
Native Range
Pyrrosia rupestris is native to eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria. It grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches and as a lithophyte on rocks and cliffs, in rainforest, moist eucalypt forest, and sheltered gorges, from the coast to the ranges.Suggested Uses
Pyrrosia rupestris is grown on tree-fern slabs, mounts, rocks, and in baskets in shaded, humid gardens, ferneries, and bush houses. It covers feature rocks and logs in frost-free, sheltered positions. Its need for humidity and slow growth make it unsuited to dry, exposed sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 3"
Width/Spread1' - 3'4"
Bloom Information
As a fern, Pyrrosia rupestris does not flower. It reproduces by spores carried in brown masses on the undersides of the narrow fertile fronds, ripening mainly in summer and autumn. Spores are shed in dry conditions and settle into damp, shaded crevices.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dull greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-5 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
Pyrrosia rupestris grows in part to full shade with high humidity, on rock, bark, or a coarse free-draining mix rather than ordinary soil. It needs sharp drainage and air around the rhizome, as wet, stagnant conditions cause rot. The thick fronds hold water, so the fern tolerates short dry spells, curling and reviving with the next rain. In cultivation it is grown on slabs, in baskets, or over rocks and watered when the mount dries. It establishes slowly and does not re-attach readily once disturbed. Few pests affect it, though scale insects settle on the fronds.Pruning
Pruning is limited to removing dead or shrivelled fronds from the mat to keep it open. The rhizome and living fronds are left undisturbed, as cutting the rhizome sets the plant back. No shaping is needed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons