Microsorum diversifolium

Kangaroo Paw Fern, Kangaroo Fern, Kangaroo Foot Fern, Hound's Tongue Fern, Kowaowao

Easy careSemi-epiphyteNon-toxic15–30 cm

A tough, adaptable fern native to the coastal and montane forests of southeastern Australia and throughout New Zealand, where it grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks and rocks as well as on the forest floor. It is widely sold under the trade name Microsorum diversifolium, though current botanical taxonomy places it as Lecanopteris pustulata subsp. pustulata (Polypodiaceae). Its defining feature is the highly variable frond shape — on the same plant, simple strap-like leaves and deeply lobed, kangaroo-paw-shaped fronds can coexist — all with a distinctive glossy, leathery finish. It does best at 18–27 °C with high humidity and bright indirect light, and it tolerates more drought than most ferns thanks to its succulent rhizomes, making it one of the more forgiving species for open and closed terrariums alike.

Build a terrarium with this plant

Care

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerantBright indirect

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Medium (40–60%)

Temperature

0°C20°C40°C

5°C – 32°C

Soil

Well draining(preferred)Moisture retentiveOrchid mix

Moisture

Moist(preferred)Dry

Soil pH

5.5 – 7

Appearance

Growth habit

CreepingClimbing

Leaf shape

StrapLobed

Leaf texture

GlossyLeathery

Distribution

Propagation

Collect fronds bearing mature sori from the underside and allow them to dry over clean paper to release spores. Surface-sow onto sterilised, moist substrate in a sealed, humid container at 20–24 °C in bright indirect light. A green prothallus layer forms over several weeks; recognisable sporlings emerge after months. The full cycle to a transplantable plant takes six months to over a year. Beginner success rates are low (10–20%); sterile technique is critical to prevent mould.

References

1
POWO — Microsorum diversifolium (Willd.) Copel. (synonym of Lecanopteris pustulata subsp. pustulata)
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17341180-1
2
NZ Flora — Microsorum pustulatum (accepted name, synonyms, native distribution, dimensions, habitat)
https://www.nzflora.info/factsheet/taxon/Microsorum-pustulatum.html
3
NC State Extension — Lecanopteris pustulata subsp. pustulata (USDA zones 9–11, dimensions, toxicity, light, growth habit)
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lecanopteris-pustulata-subp-pustulata/
4
Terrarium Tribe — How to Grow the Kangaroo Fern (care, substrate, terrarium suitability)
https://terrariumtribe.com/terrarium-plants/kangaroo-fern-microsorum-diversifolium/
5
Our House Plants — Kangaroo Paw Fern Microsorum diversifolium (care, temperature, light, propagation)
https://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/kangaroo-paw-fern-microsorum-diversifolium
6
Araflora — Microsorum diversifolium (humidity 60–90%, temperature 5–35 °C, pH 6–7)
https://www.araflora.com/product/microsorum-diversifolium-fern-care-buy/
7
Healthy Houseplants — Kangaroo Paw Fern Care Guide (propagation success rates, pH 5.5–7.0, USDA zones 9–11)
https://www.healthyhouseplants.com/indoor-houseplants/kangaroo-paw-fern-microsorum-diversifolium-care-guide/
8
Plantmark (AU) — Microsorum diversifolium (native Australian; height 15–30 cm, spread 60 cm–1 m)
https://www.plantmark.com.au/microsorum-diversifolium
9
Online Plant Guide — Microsorum diversifolium (USDA zones 9–11, spread 3–4 ft, shade tolerant)
https://www.onlineplantguide.com/Plant-Details/3466/
10
Plantsam — Zealandia pustulata (synonym Microsorum diversifolium; family Polypodiaceae; Australia + New Zealand native)
https://plantsam.com/microsorum-diversifolium/
11
Highland Moss — Kangaroo Fern Microsorum diversifolium (terrarium suitability, pet-safe, care)
https://highlandmoss.com/house-plants/pet-friendly/kangaroo-fern-microsorum-diversifolium-6cm-pot/
12
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — Microsorum diversifolium confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/search