Didymochlaena truncatula

Mahogany Fern, Tree Maidenhair Fern, Moon Fern, Cloak Fern

Moderate careTerrestrialNon-toxic30180 cm

A tropical fern with arching, bipinnate fronds that unfurl in mahogany-bronze before deepening to glossy green. Bipinnate means the frond is divided twice, giving it a fine, layered texture. The only species in its family, it grows in moist evergreen forests across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It does best in shade with high humidity and consistently moist soil, and works well in large closed terrariums. It grows slowly into an imposing arching clump up to 1.5 m tall, making it a natural centrepiece for large paludariums or statement terrariums.

Build a terrarium with this plant

Care

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerant

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Very high (80%+)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
12°C28°C

Soil

Moisture retentive(preferred)Peat mossWell draining

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Appearance

Growth habit

UprightClumping

Leaf shape

Compound

Leaf texture

Glossy

Distribution

Propagation

Carefully separate the rhizomes, making sure each division has roots and fronds. Plant in moisture-retentive soil and keep humidity high until new growth appears.