Old World Climbing Fern

lygodium microphyllum

Also known as: ["Climbing Fern","Small-leaved Climbing Fern"]

Family: Schizaeaceae Genus: Lygodium Category: Flowers

Overview

A fast-growing, invasive vine with delicate, feathery fronds that climb over other vegetation.

Benefits & Perks

["fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Schizaeales
Family: Schizaeaceae
Genus: Lygodium
Botanical Name: Lygodium microphyllum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: indoor or outdoor in a humid, sheltered area with indirect light
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand; can include orchid bark for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: low
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering/blooming periods.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth often indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to filtered light

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water deeply to encourage root growth; ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging; adjust frequency based on season and humidity.

Soil

moist, well-draining, organic-rich soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).

Use a mix that doesn’t compact easily; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); thrives in warm, humid conditions; sensitive to frost.

Monitor temperature fluctuations; avoid placing near drafty windows or heat vents; maintain stable conditions.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize in spring/summer when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings with nodes; division of mature plants can also be effective.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy stem, cut below node, apply hormone (optional), place in medium, keep moist, monitor for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.

Hormone

Rooting hormone can be used to encourage faster root development.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; establish in new pot within 1–2 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use stems with multiple nodes for better success; maintain high humidity around cuttings; avoid direct sunlight.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut fronds at the base; thin out dense growth to improve air circulation.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or overgrown fronds to maintain shape and encourage new growth; control spread if invasive.

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.

Checklist

Sanitize tools, cut at base, remove dead/damaged fronds, clean up debris, monitor regrowth.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, avoid direct sun post-repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Choose new pot, prepare soil mix, inspect roots, trim if needed, repot carefully, water lightly, adjust care.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, avoiding foliage; ensure water penetrates the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the root zone without disturbing the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility; ensure aeration with orchid bark or coco coir.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, wilting, or stunted growth in cold; leaf burn or browning in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; risk of frost damage or death in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide a heat source if indoors; protect with a frost cloth in outdoor settings.

Hot Stress

Leaf edges may brown or curl; wilting despite adequate water; reduced vigor in extreme heat.

Solution: Increase humidity with misting or a humidifier; provide shade during peak heat; ensure consistent watering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to soil, avoid foliage contact, flush periodically.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Lygodium microphyllum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or pest infestations, often resulting in reduced photosynthesis and overall plant decline.

Wilting in Lygodium microphyllum typically results from water stress, either due to drought or root damage, impairing the plant's ability to maintain turgor pressure and leading to reduced growth and potential mortality.

Leaf spots on Lygodium microphyllum are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic area, potential frond necrosis, and overall decline in plant health.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Lygodium microphyllum under conditions of excessive moisture or pathogen infection, leading to structural weakness, nutrient uptake failure, and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if they consume parts of Lygodium microphyllum. The toxicity is generally low, but ingestion should still be avoided to prevent any adverse effects.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds fruits
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian promptly.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Lygodium microphyllum seeds and fruits may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant does not typically cause severe toxicity, but caution is advised due to potential irritation.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds fruits
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant, especially its seeds and fruits. Monitor for symptoms if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Lygodium microphyllum contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The physiological impact is generally limited to irritation of the digestive tract, with no severe systemic effects reported.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds fruits
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of seeds and fruits. Wash hands after handling the plant to prevent accidental ingestion.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lygodium microphyllum invasive?

A: Yes, it is highly invasive in many regions, particularly in Florida, where it outcompetes native vegetation.

Q: Does this plant require a lot of maintenance?

A: It requires moderate maintenance, primarily to control its spread and prevent it from becoming invasive.

Q: Can this plant be grown indoors?

A: It is not typically recommended for indoor growth due to its invasive nature and climbing habit.

Quick Reference
Family: Schizaeaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to filtered ligh
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Japanese climbing fern
View
American Maidenhair Fern
View
Sickle-leaf fern
View