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Fern 'Crocodile'

Fern 'Crocodile'

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Use code FRIEND26 to get 10% off all orders
Green thumb guarantee: If your plant care goes haywire within 6 months of your order, claim a $15 gift card for your plant.

  •   Fern 'Crocodile' (Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodyllus'), also called Crocodile Fern, is a tropical houseplant native to Southeast Asia and Australia, where it grows as an epiphyte in humid rainforest environments. It belongs to the Polypodiaceae family and is considered a rare find among exotic foliage plants and collector ferns.

      The fronds are broad and strap-shaped, reaching up to 5 feet in ideal conditions, with a surface texture that closely resembles crocodile or reptile skin. A raised network of veins runs across each frond in a mosaic pattern, set against bright green fronds. The fronds emerge from a central rhizome and arch outward as they mature.

      As a fern, Crocodile Fern does not produce flowers. It reproduces via spores that appear as small brown clusters on the undersides of mature fronds. It purifies indoor air and filters formaldehyde and other toxins, and it naturally humidifies the surrounding air as moisture evaporates from its broad fronds.

      Place Crocodile Fern in a terrarium or enclosed glass garden where humidity stays consistently high. It also thrives near a kitchen where ambient moisture from cooking supports its needs. Keep it away from air conditioning vents and heating units, as dry moving air causes the frond edges to brown and curl. You can move it outside in summer to a sheltered spot, but cover it from rain and direct downpours. Rotate it every few weeks so all fronds receive even light exposure. It is sensitive to being moved between locations, so once settled in a good spot, leave it there. This plant is pet friendly.

  •   Fern 'Crocodile' grows well in bright indirect light, away from south-facing windows where fronds scorch.

      It needs watering when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly every 5-7 days in warmer months.

      Crocodile Fern does best in a well-draining, peat-based mix blended with perlite for moisture retention without waterlogging.

      It prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F and browns quickly when exposed to cold drafts or dry forced air.

      Crocodile Fern is a slow to moderate grower and benefits from a balanced liquid fertilizer applied monthly during spring and summer.

      It is hardy in USDA zones 10-12, where frost does not occur. It grows outdoors year-round in Florida, Hawaii, southern California, southern Texas, and Arizona's warmest regions.
  • Q: Is Fern 'Crocodile' safe for cats and dogs?
    A: Yes, it is non-toxic and safe for both cats and dogs.

    Q: How do I know when it needs water?
    A: Fern 'Crocodile' wilts slightly when it has gone too long without water, and the soil will feel dry an inch below the surface. If the fronds feel limp, water thoroughly and allow excess to drain.

    Q: Can Crocodile Fern grow in a terrarium?
    A: Yes, enclosed terrariums with consistent high humidity suit it very well, and the contained environment reduces how often you need to water.

    Q: My frond edges are turning brown. What's going wrong?
    A: Brown edges on Crocodile Fern are almost always caused by dry air from a heater or air conditioner, or by low humidity. Move it away from vents and mist the fronds or set the pot on a humidity tray.

    Q: Does Crocodile Fern do well under office lighting?
    A: It can grow under office LED grow lights as long as the lights run for 10-12 hours a day, though fronds may stay smaller than they would near a bright window.

    Q: How fast does it grow?
    A: Crocodile Fern puts out new fronds slowly, typically a few per season, so patience is needed before it reaches its full spread.

  • Hand-Packed with Care: We use a multi-layer system to ensure a safe arrival: soil is secured with wood fiber and sealed bags, houseplants are wrapped in signature paper, and large specimens are stabilized with stakes and locking inserts. Orders over $500 ship via pallet for maximum protection.

    Processing: Shipped within 3-5 business days (Mon-Fri) year-round.

    Urgent Orders: Message us for shipping upgrades (additional cost).

    Destinations:We ship houseplants to the lower 48 US states only. Excludes AK, HI, PR, Guam, and international destinations.

    Cold Weather: If under 40°F, please add a Heat Pack to your order for safety.

    Weather Delay: We may delay shipping during extreme weather (e.g., snowstorms) to ensure plant health.

    🌿 For Houseplants
    When your package arrives, you may notice a bit of loose soil in the box. This is completely normal during shipping.
    Please remove your plants from their packaging as soon as possible and review the care instructions included with your order. Water based on your plant’s needs, making sure not to overwater.
    Houseplants may need a short adjustment period after arrival. Give your plant time to acclimate to its new space before placing it with other plants. You can gently clean the leaves if needed, and wait to fertilize until it has settled in. Always check soil moisture instead of watering on a fixed schedule.
    *** We pack carefully to protect each plant during transit, so larger orders may arrive in multiple packages.

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