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Microsorum Diversifolium ( my - kroh - SOR - um , atomic number 66 - ver - sih - FOH - lee - um ) is an evergreen epiphytic fern species from the phratry Polypodiaceae .
This plant life is commonly call in kangaroo paw fern or kangaroo foot fern .
Microsorumis a random variable of microsorium , which means small sorus – the small spores located on the undersides of fern fronds .
Diversifolium means diverse or unlike shaped leaves , referring to the dissimilar shapes and sizes of its folio .
The plant is aboriginal to Australia , peculiarly to the Canberra region , and some parts of New Zealand .
Kangaroo Paw Fern Care
Size & Growth
Known for its glossy green leaves , which can grow up to 6 ” inches and often have dissimilar cast , kangaroo paw fern is an evergreen plant with semi - stringy stems .
Its leathery fronds are unique and atypical of fern species – they can either be smooth or have indentations on the edges .
The plant also got its uncouth name due to its long folio , with reference to the tenacious feet of kangaroo .
Kangaroo fern is also a short plant and only grows up to 6 ” to 12 ” column inch in height .
However , it can pass around up to 4 ’ substructure in width , upon maturity .
It is also highly adaptable to a variety of grow consideration but is most suited for indoor environments with eminent household humidness level .
The plant can sometimes display epiphytic properties as well .
Within its native range , the plant is sometimes seen growing in rock ‘n’ roll cracks and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree crotches .
Flowering and Fragrance
Since microsorum kangaroo paw is a fern species , it does n’t produce flower .
Temperature & Light Conditions
Kangaroo paw ferns rise best in humid shape under collateral light .
While it will suffer partial shade , it does n’t like verbatim sunlight .
The idealistic temperature for get microsorum diversifolium is 60 ° to 90 ° degrees Fahrenheit ( 15 ° – 32 ° coulomb ) .
The works likes lovesome conditions and is n’t much winter hardy .
It can only tolerate temperature down to 60 ° degrees Fahrenheit ( 15 ° C ) .
It is only hardy to USDA works hardiness geographical zone 9 to 11 .
Watering and Feeding
The plant requires moisture to get properly , keep it irrigate on a regular basis , throughout the year .
It does n’t appreciate a piss - logged etymon testis or soggy soil , provide just enough pee to wield soil moisture .
The key to supplying the good amount of H2O to your kangaroo fern is water it deeply once a workweek and then water lightly on other twenty-four hour period if the top one - column inch layer of the soil as dried out .
apply a 2 ” to 3 ” inch thick layer of pine stalk mulch at the al-Qaida of the works help retain moisture in the filth .
Feed the plant life withslow - release balanced industrial plant foodin the spring , when the plant jump produce raw ontogeny .
For best results , apply about a teaspoon of a granulated fertilizer ( 14 - 14 - 14 ) for every 4 sq.ft . of the area .
Spread it evenly over the soil surface and then water .
You may need to reapply the plant food after 3 months .
However , be careful with feed in kangaroo paw fern as it can burn from overfertilizing .
Soil & Transplanting
This fern species prefers acidulous , well - draining , and consistently and equally moist potting mix .
Provided these stipulation , it can tolerate a variety of grunge type .
Kangaroo fern can outgrow its container every few years and hence , demand to be repot or separate .
Spring and twilight are the good times for transplanting kangaroo paw ferns .
Grooming and Maintenance
The kangaroo paw fern is overall a low - sustainment works .
But , it may require some pruning due to its power to spread to enceinte area through its creeping rhizomes .
The emergence , however , also depends on the sens size it is planted in .
How to Propagate Kangaroo Paw Fern
Kangaroo paw fern is easily propagated from its vigorously spreading haired rootstalk in early free fall or leap .
To do this , dig up a well - acquire plant and cautiously divide it in one-half – use a precipitous knife to burn the rhizome .
If divide in pots , set the divisions in a potting grunge mixed with 2 ” inches of peat moss , foliage mould , or aged compost .
Keep the new plants in a partially shaded location , in low light , and forfend fertilizing them until they modernise raw roots .
But , go along to water regularly .
Return to normal plant care once the youthful plants make grow roots .
Microsorum Diversifolium Pest or Diseases
Kangaroo paw ferns are not prostrate to many diseases and pest .
But , it may sometimes get touch by scale insects , aphidsand slug . For slug and escargot restraint implement Diatomaceous Earth . Learn the particular onhow to apply and employ Diatomaceous Earth here .
NOTE : Overwatering can lead to root rot .
Prolonged exposure to very hot atmospheric condition and teetotal hint can make the fronds ironical and brown .
Too much sunlight may also lead to the yellowing of fronds .
Kangaroo Paw Fern Uses
This Australian aboriginal plant is widely produce for ornamental purposes due to its unique bright fronds and adaptable nature .
It is particularly a popular indoor plant and is extensively grow both as a houseplant and in offices .
It also make a groovy display in hanging baskets and on tabletops .
The flora is also an ideal choice for footing covers .
