How to Grow Care Tips for a Fishtail Fern

Can you tell me what this plant is? I am growing it indoors so I do believe it is a houseplant. But is doesn’t look so good right now.

Thank you.

Hi Connie,

Your plant is called a Fishtail Fern (Microsorum Punctatum Grandiceps). It is a relative of the Kangaroo Paw Fern. The juice extracted from the fronds (leaves) of the Fishtail Fern is used for medicinal purposes. The picture below is how a healthy Fishtail Fern should look.

Here are some care tips to help you grow a Fishtail Fern.

Light: bright, indirect light, but no direct sun

Water: Always keep the soil moist but never soggy. Be sure there are drip holes in the bottom of the pot so excess water can drain out. Never allow the plant to sit in water.

Plant Food: Feed your fern every two weeks when it is actively growing with a balanced, liquid, fertilizer diluted to 1/3-1/4 the recommended strength.

Soil: Use a lightweight, fast draining soil that still retain moisture.

Pot: Repot in the spring only if the roots have filled the existing pot