What should I know about crocodile fern care?

Did you position your crocodile fern indirect sunlight?

Did you plant your crocodile fern in well-draining potting soil, rich in organic matter?

Did you provide a warm and humid environment for your crocodile fern?

Do you water your crocodile fern regularly?

Do you feed your fern monthly with diluted nitrogen-rich fertilizer?

Do you repot your fern when you notice the roots are getting crammed in its current pot?

Do you keep your crocodile fern free of pests and diseases?

Like most ferns, the crocodile fern is naturally found growing under a canopy of trees. Because of this, your plant will like lighting that mimics the dappled, bright, indirect sunlight that they would receive on the forest floor. These plants still need sunlight, just be sure they aren’t getting direct sunlight, like in a window. Too much can burn the leaves.

Crocodile ferns prefer moist but well-draining potting soil. Water is very important to this fern, so up your chances of creating the proper environment for it by incorporating moss or an organic matter like compost into the soil to help it to retain water.

Because this plant is native to the tropics, it does not handle cold weather well. Be sure to keep it away from drafts, air conditioners, or heating vents. Crocodile ferns also love humidity. Set your pot on a tray of pebbles with a small amount of water in it. The evaporating water will keep your fern moist. Just be sure that the pot is not sitting in the water.

Crocodile ferns love water. Water your plant thoroughly and consistently. When you notice the top of the soil getting dry, water until it drains out of the bottom of the pot. Continue to let the water drain out until it no longer drips to be sure your fern is not sitting in water.

Crocodile ferns are slow growers, so you won’t need to worry about repotting very often. When you notice the roots getting crammed in its current pot or your fern is top-heavy, you will want to give your plant a bigger pot. When repotting, be sure not to bury your fern too deep, however, because these plants have shallow root systems.

Good job! You are taking good care of your crocodile fern.

If the soil is not well-draining, soggy soil can lead to problems like root rot or fungal growth. Adding peat moss or perlite will help keep water moving freely. Pay attention to mealybugs, spider mites, and scales. If they do attack, deal with them with a spray of insecticidal soap.