Microsorum punctatum Grandiceps epiphyte

Credit: Ping an Chang

Multifurcated fronds Microsorum fern

Credit: David J. Stang

Microsorum fern punctatum grandiceps in the wild

Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek

Microsorum Grandiceps fern frond

Credit: David J.Stang

Microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps', the other fishtail fern

When we think of fishtail fern, we often think of Nephrolepis falcata. But for our Anglo-Saxon friends, there's another fishtail fern: Microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps'. This cultivar also boasts fronds worthy of the Little Mermaid.

How to recognize Microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps'?

An epiphytic fern with a bushy growth habit, Microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps' doesn't exceed 60 cm in all directions.

The plant has no stem. Its evergreen foliage grows from a short, scale-covered underground rhizome.

Microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps' is easy to recognize at a glance. Its green fronds are shiny and leathery, with wavy, entire margins. But whereas microsorum punctatum has lanceolate leaves, those of the 'Grandiceps' cultivar are multi-furrowed. At the base, they are ribbon-shaped. But they divide at the apex to form ridges. It's this characteristic that earns it the nickname "fishtail fern".

Plants in the Polypodiaceae family multiply by spores. In Microsorum punctatum, these are grouped together on the underside of leaves in brown sporangia.

Microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps' is not a toxic plant. You can add it to your collection without fear, even if you live with young children or pets. Nor do you need to wear gloves when repotting and pruning.

Our maintenance tips

Microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps have a reputation for being easy to care for. This is true, provided they are given a high level of humidity and very regular watering.

Watering

Allow the rootball to dry out to one centimeter between waterings. Water generously with non-calcareous water (rainwater, for example) at room temperature.

Drain off any excess water left in the dish or planter. It can rot the roots.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Obtain a pierced pot of a larger size than the previous one. You can choose a terracotta container. Heavier, it will prevent your Microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps from tipping over.

Fill the pot with a light, draining substrate. You can use potting soil for orchids or potting soil for green plants with peat, perlite and coconut fibre.

Plant microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps in the center and add substrate. Do not bury rhizomes deeply. Water to facilitate rooting.

Place the pot on a saucer of moist clay balls to increase humidity.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Fertilize your Microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps with a green plant fertilizer to support growth. Remember to halve the dose prescribed by the manufacturer.

Prune

To encourage the growth of your Microsorum punctatum 'Grandiceps, prune regularly.

There's no need to prune the foliage. Remove only dry fronds with clean, sharp pruning shears.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Locate a rhizome with one or two fronds. Cut it with clean, sharp secateurs.

Prepare a pierced pot. Fill it with a light, well-draining substrate. You can choose orchid potting soil, for example, or make up your own mix of potting soil for green plants, peat moss, coconut fibre and perlite.

Plant your cutting without burying the rhizome deeply. Water to facilitate rooting.

Place the pot on a dish of moist clay balls to increase humidity.

Disease / Threat

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Polypodiaceae - Polypodiaceae
Type	Microsorum - Microsorum
Species	Microsore punctata - Microsorum punctatum
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Rhizome
Tag	Fritillary
Origins	West Africa Southeast Asia Oceania Australia
Hardiness (USDA)	9b
Leaf color