Microsorum

Microsorum scolopendria

Monarch Fern

Microsorum scolopendria is a fern in the Polypodiaceae that grows from a creeping rhizome, living either in the ground or perched on bark as an epiphyte. As a fern with exposed rhizomes it drains fast and resents sitting wet, so let the top inch of mix approach dry before watering, then water thoroughly. It wants warmth, steady airflow, and reliably moist air rather than soggy roots.

Microsorum punctatum

Climbing Bird's Nest Fern

Microsorum punctatum is a tropical fern that grows on rocks and tree bark across its wide pantropical range, so its roots want airflow and fast drainage rather than sitting in soggy mix. Plant it in a loose, bark-based or epiphytic medium and water when the top inch of mix has just dried, then let excess drain freely. As a forest epiphyte it favours bright indirect light and steady warmth, and it appreciates above-average humidity.

Microsorum grossum

Musk Fern

Microsorum grossum is a fern in the Polypodiaceae, growing as an epiphyte that perches on bark and drains quickly rather than sitting in saturated soil. Give it a loose, airy mix and bright indirect light, and water when the top inch of the medium has gone dry to the touch, letting excess drain freely. As an epiphytic fern it favors steady humidity and good airflow, and stays wet at the roots far more easily than it dries out, so err toward letting it approach dryness.

Microsorum musifolium

Crocodile Fern

A Southeast Asian and Pacific epiphytic fern that grows clinging to bark in warm, humid forest, drawing moisture from air and rain rather than standing water. Its roots want fast drainage and airflow and will rot if kept soggy, so let the top inch of a loose, bark-rich mix dry before watering again. Give it bright indirect light, never direct sun, and steady humidity.