Kangaroo paw fern care guide
Microsorum diversifolium
Quick answer
Water your kangaroo paw fern when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil feel dry: ferns don’t like drying out. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - LightBright, indirect light
- Climate16–24 °C (61–75 °F)
- Pet safetyNot confirmed pet-safe
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
2 cm (0.8 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright, indirect light
Kangaroo paw fern thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed your kangaroo paw fern every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate16–24 °C (61–75 °F)
Humidity50–70%
During leafy growth, aim for 16–24 °C (61–75 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 12 °C (54 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Not confirmed pet-safe
Common questions
How often should I water a kangaroo paw fern?
Water your kangaroo paw fern (Microsorum diversifolium) when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil feel dry: ferns don’t like drying out. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does a kangaroo paw fern need?
Kangaroo paw fern thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Why is my kangaroo paw fern turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources
- This guide follows established plant-care guidance and official ASPCA pet-safety references. How we verify our plant data →
- How we check our plant advice
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