Hymenophyllum wilsonii

Wilson's Filmy Fern

Expert careEpiphyteNon-toxic3–12 cm

A delicate fern with translucent fronds only one cell thick, giving them a membranous, see-through quality. It belongs to the filmy ferns, a group defined by this ultra-thin leaf structure. Native to the oceanic fringes of western Europe and Macaronesia, it clings to sheltered acidic rocks, cliff faces, and mossy tree trunks in permanently humid ravines. It needs near-100% humidity and cool temperatures, making it one of the more demanding ferns for sealed terrariums, but rewarding for those who can provide stable conditions.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Wilson's Filmy Fern image

Care

Light

Shade tolerant(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

Very high (80%+)(preferred)

Temperature

0°C20°C40°C
5°C – 18°C

Soil

Sphagnum mix(preferred)Peat moss

Moisture

Wet(preferred)Moist

Soil pH

4.5 – 6.5

Appearance

Growth habit

Creeping

Leaf shape

Compound

Leaf texture

Fine

Distribution

Propagation

Collect spores from mature sori on the frond margins. Sow on sterile, moist peat or sphagnum in a sealed container. Germination is slow and needs constant high humidity and low light.