kangaroo paw fern houseplant

A Kangaroo Paw fern is a unique looking, easy care plant that looks very attractive in a hanging basket or set on a table in a pretty pot. Medium to bright indirect light. High light refers only to bright indirect light since direct sun often burns the leaves of indoor houseplants.

How much light do kangaroo paw ferns need?

Kangaroo paw ferns grow best in humid conditions under indirect light. While it will tolerate partial shade, it doesn't like direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for growing microsorum diversifolium is 60° to 90° degrees Fahrenheit (15° – 32° C). The plant likes warm weather and isn't much winter hardy.

Can kangaroo paw grow indoors?

The care for kangaroo paws requires either a growth habitat indoors, or a climate in USDA zone 9. Because of its tropical origins, kangaroo paws will probably need to be overwintered indoors to prevent freezing. ... Kangaroo paws work well in containers or as accent plants in borders during summer months.

Why is my kangaroo fern dying?

So, why is your kangaroo fern dying? The most common reasons include too little (or too much) sunlight, not enough water or allowing the soil to become too dry, low humidity, frequent overwatering, exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees or above 75 degrees, and pest infestation.

How do you take care of a kangaroo paw plant?

Making sure your Kangaroo Paws have good drainage and full sun is essential. They will need lots of water during flowering season (spring/summer) but otherwise it pays not to let them get too wet. They work well in raised beds and are ideal for low maintenance gardens.

How long do kangaroo paws live?

Their blooms range from burgundy to bright red or orange-red. All of these hybrids are long-lived; I have seen them survive for over twenty years as garden plants if the clumps are divided every few years to maintain their vigour.

What do you do with kangaroo paws after they bloom?

Kangaroo paw plants respond well to heavy pruning. Cut back the plants—leaves, flower stalks, and all—to 6 inches above the soil line after the blooms have faded. This will prevent old foliage from becoming diseased and promote denser growth.

How long do kangaroo paws bloom?

Kangaroo paw, considered a perennial herb, tends to live for three to five years, with blooms appearing after one year of growth. Anigozanthos blooms during the spring and summer months, outdoors. Cultivars grown indoors will bloom year-round.

Why are my kangaroo paws turning black?

Ink disease is an attack by a fungus called Alternaria alternata which affects kangaroo paws. Ink spot shows up as blackening of the leaves and flower stems. The disease usually starts at the leaf tips, then spreads down the leaves into the rhizomes.

Will kangaroo paws grow in shade?

Tall Kangaroo Paw

The flower-stalk can grow to 2 m tall. The flowers usually appear yellow-green, but a wide range of colour forms are available. It is best to buy this species in flower to determine the flower colour. Plants grow well in full sun or dappled shade.

How often do you water kangaroo ferns?

As you might guess, Kangaroo Paw ferns are native to Australia and New Zealand. Plants tend to be around a foot in height and 2 to 3 feet in diameter. I water mine once a week and that seems to keep it really happy. I don't get the foliage wet, though; it's best to just water at the soil surface.

How do you water a rabbit's foot fern?

Water the plants lightly but often to keep the surface of the soil lightly moist. Daily misting helps keep the surface rhizomes from drying out. Every two weeks, your rabbit's foot fern care should also include watering the plant with a liquid houseplant fertilizer mixed at half strength.

How do you water a kangaroo paw fern?

Water a kangaroo paw fern when the top 50% of the soil has dried out. When watering, give the plant enough water so that it drains out the bottom drip holes. I don't recommend misting this or any other houseplant because keeping the leaves wet encourages bacterial and fungus infections.

What can I plant next to kangaroo paw?

Create excitement in native gardens using acid yellow flowers of iconic kangaroo paw, or brilliant golden wattles teamed with bright purple Scaveola ground cover. These Aussie plants are naturally heat and drought tolerant and enjoy full sun in well drained soils.

What is the best fertilizer for kangaroo paws?

As mentioned above kangaroo paws aren't sensitive to phosphorus (except the black kangaroo paw) so you can use regular fertilisers on them. Fertilise when the plants are actively growing with a slow release organic fertiliser, compost or aged manure.

Do kangaroo paws need full sun?

To get the best out of your kangaroo paws grow them in full sun with good drainage. You can also add a small amount of organic matter to the soil to help improve growth. They do have a slightly higher demand for water during early spring and summer, which helps maintain the longevity of the blooms.

Is kangaroo paw poisonous?

Toxicity. Kangaroo paw fern has no known toxicity for cats or dogs. If either cats or dogs chew on the fronds, they will probably throw up the plant parts, just as they would after eating grass.

Is kangaroo paw edible?

This is a useful perennial plant for easy care gardens, and edible berries that are yummy are a real bonus. It is mat forming, so is good for stabilising soils.

How big do kangaroo paws grow?

Growing tips

Watering at the base of the plant helps prevent diseases such as Ink Disease from developing on the leaves. Cut back after flower flushes. The big growers can be cut right to ground level in early spring. The toughest kangaroo paws are the large growers that can reach up to two metres tall.

Do kangaroo paw attract bees?

Native plants, too, provide nectar-rich flowers that attract bees as well as native insects and birds. Growing a range of native plants including kangaroo paw, grevillea, hakea, callistemon, tea tree, lilly pilly and banksia ensures flowers throughout the year.

Are kangaroo paws drought tolerant?

Velvet Kangaroo paws are tough, ink spot resistant, and have beautiful flowers. They are also very drought tolerant.