Plant Care Guide

Kangaroo Paw Fern

Microsorum diversifolium

The Kangaroo Paw Fern is a fun, quirky fern named for its lobed, irregular fronds that resemble the shape of a kangaroo’s paw. Native to Australia and Tasmania, this fern is an epiphytic species, meaning it naturally grows on trees or in debris-rich forest floors; giving it resilience, adaptability, and a unique growth habit perfect for hanging baskets or pots. 

Unlike many delicate ferns, the Kangaroo Paw Fern has tougher, leathery leaves and is much easier to care for, making it one of the best “starter ferns.” With the right humidity and indirect light, this plant grows quickly and forms long, creeping rhizomes that climb over edges and trail beautifully. 

Watering Requirements

Kangaroo Paw Ferns prefer consistently moist, never-dry soil. But while they need moisture, soggy soil can quickly cause root rot. 

Watering Schedule 

  • Water when the top surface begins to dry. 
  • Keep soil evenly moist, avoid both extremes of soaking or complete dryness. 
  • Reduce watering slightly in fall and winter. 
  • Empty saucers after watering to prevent standing water. 

Signs of Underwatering 

  • Brown, crispy tips 
  • Pale or drooping leaves 
  • Crispy patches on older fronds 

Signs of Overwatering 

  • Yellowing leaves 
  • Mushy roots 
  • Fungus gnats 

Pro Tips

Bottom watering is especially effective for Kangaroo Paw Ferns. It hydrates thoroughly without oversaturating the crown and helps prevent fungus gnat issues.

Light Requirements

This fern loves filtered light similar to what it would receive beneath tree canopies. 

Ideal Light Conditions 

  • Indoors: Medium to bright indirect light 
  • East- or north-facing windows are best 
  • Keep out of strong direct sun (burns leaves) 
  • Outdoors: Partial shade 
  • Avoid: Long hours of direct sunlight 

Signs of Too Much Light 

  • Pale, washed-out foliage 
  • Brown sunburn patches 

Signs of Too Little Light 

  • Sparse, stretched growth 
  • Small leaves 
  • Slowed or stalled growth 

Pro Tips

If your fern looks sparse, move it closer to a window. Kangaroo Paw Ferns become fuller and lusher with stronger indirect light.

Soil & Potting

As an epiphytic fern, the Kangaroo Paw Fern prefers airy soil mixes that provide moisture retention without heaviness. 

Best Soil Mix 

Use a well-draining, moisture-retentive mix such as: 

Standard potting soil: 

  • peat moss or coconut coir 
  • perlite or coarse sand for drainage 

Potting 

  • Choose a pot with good drainage 
  • Works exceptionally well in hanging baskets 
  • Repot every 2–3 years or when roots crowd the container 

Pro Tips

For an ideal fern environment, mix standard potting soil 50/50 with peat or coco coir. This mimics the organic forest material where the fern naturally grows.

Fertilizing

Kangaroo Paw Ferns appreciate light, consistent feeding during the growing season. 

Feeding Schedule 

  • Fertilize once per month during spring and summer 
  • Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength 
  • Do NOT fertilize in fall or winter 

Signs of Deficiency 

  • Light green or yellowing leaves 
  • Slow growth 

Pro Tips

If your fern reacts sensitively to liquid fertilizers, switch to a slow-release organic fertilizer applied once in early spring for gentler feeding.

Pruning & Maintenance

Kangaroo Paw Ferns are low maintenance and don’t require shaping, but benefit from occasional tidying. 

What to Prune 

  • Remove yellowing fronds 
  • Cut damaged or crispy edges 
  • Trim back long rhizomes only if they exceed the desired shape 

Maintenance Tips 

  • Clean leaves gently to allow better photosynthesis 
  • Check regularly for mealybugs, scale, and spider mites 
  • Increase humidity if edges develop dryness 

Pro Tips

Use clean, sharp scissors when trimming fronds. Damaged cuts can lead to browning at the edges.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing Leaves 

Cause: Overwatering or nutrient deficiency 

Fix: Let the top layer dry before watering; ensure drainage; fertilize lightly in spring/summer 

Brown or Crispy Tips 

Cause: Underwatering or low humidity 

Fix: Increase watering consistency; boost humidity 

Sparse or Stretched Growth 

Cause: Insufficient light 

Fix: Move to brighter indirect light 

Leaf Burn 

Cause: Too much direct sun or overfertilizing 

Fix: Relocate to filtered light; flush soil to remove salt buildup 

Pests: Mealybugs, Scale, Spider Mites 

Fix: 

  • Remove by hand or with water 
  • Use neem/horticultural oil only from fern-safe formulas 

Pro Tips

If fronds yellow from the base outward, check for soggy soil. Root rot is the most common issue with this fern and often starts subtly.