Pyrrosia polydactyla

Description

Pyrrosia polydactyla is a short slow creeping upright fern. New light green fronds turn darker over the season. The new fronds are covered in hairy silver stars. The midrib is darker than the similar P. hastata.  The fronds are felt like to the touch and have three to five lobes that can extend to 14” long by 10” wide. The sori without indusia will open in late winter to early spring spreading bright yellow spores. These ferns are easily propagated from division or spores. The spores should be sown when ripe and are slow to germinate.

Cultural

Pyrrosia polydactyla is a drought tolerant evergreen fern that is easy to grow in a container with good drainage. Move containers to a dryer and or warmer area during a prolonged wet season or cold snap. Felt ferns like good drainage in the garden. It prefers loose soil with a decent slope as well as protection from the freezing weather. P. polydactyla makes a good house plant that needs little water or nutrient requirements.