Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate lower light conditions but should be kept out of direct sun, which can scorch its fronds.
Watering Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top ½ inch of soil begins to dry out. Avoid letting the plant fully dry out or sit in standing water. High humidity is beneficial and helps prevent leaf crisping.
Soil Preference: Use a well-draining, moisture-retentive mix rich in organic matter. A peat-based potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark works well to balance aeration and moisture.
How to Fertilize: Fertilize lightly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month. Reduce or withhold feeding during fall and winter.
Hardiness Zone: Suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 10–11. It prefers warm, humid conditions and should be kept indoors or in a greenhouse in cooler climates.
Pet Safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to grow around pets.
Additional Care Tips: This fern is known for its leathery, reptile-patterned fronds resembling crocodile skin. It appreciates high humidity, making it ideal for bathrooms or terrariums. Mist regularly or use a humidity tray if indoor air is dry. Avoid overhandling the fronds, which can bruise. Repot every 2–3 years or when rootbound, and divide if needed during spring.
