The crisscrossed veins on their vivid green foliage resemble the scaly skin of a crocodile.
Though they’re native to the jungles of Malaysia, crocodile ferns are popular indoor plants in temperate climates.
Crocodile ferns prefer warm temperatures, high humidity, and bright, indirect light.
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Here’s how to help this plant thrive in your home.
Crocodile Fern Care
Here are the main care requirements for crocodile fern:
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Put this plant in a north-facing or east-facing window, or several feet from a south-facing or west-facing window.
ensure it stays out of direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves and damage the plant.
Soil
Plant crocodile fern in a loose, well-drained potting mix that holds moisture.
Temperatures should never drop below 50F, which is too cold for this plant.
Start fertilizing when you first see new growth in early spring and continue until fall.
Stop fertilizing during the cold months.
Propagating Crocodile Fern
The easiest way to propagate crocodile fern is by dividing a mature plant.
The best time to do this is in spring or summer during the plant’s active growth period.
Here’s how to propagate crocodile fern.
With basic care and the proper conditions, crocodile fern is a low-maintenance houseplant.
These plants may have some similarities in appearance, but they are in different plant families.
