Polystichum luctuosum

Korean Rock Fern, Tsushima Holly Fern, Korean Rockfern

Easy careTerrestrial30–45 cm

A compact, shade-loving fern from the rocky forests of East Asia — Korea, Japan, China, and Vietnam — where it grows on slopes and stream banks beneath the canopy. It is one of the most forgiving ferns for terrarium use: tolerant of lower humidity, cool temperatures, and lower light than most tropical ferns, and slow-growing enough to stay manageable for years. The dark, glossy bipinnate fronds — each pinnule edged with small, holly-like teeth — hold their colour year-round.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Korean Rock Fern image

Photo by りなべる·CC BY 4.0

Care

Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 5–24 °C, and reaches 45 cm at maturity.

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerant

Humidity

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

Temperature

0°C20°C40°C
5°C – 24°C

Soil

Loamy(preferred)Moisture retentivePeat moss

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Propagation

Divide established clumps in spring by carefully separating the crown into sections, each with roots attached. Replant divisions at the same depth in fresh, humus-rich compost and keep consistently moist until new growth confirms establishment.

Native range

Native to South Tropical Africa, Southern Africa, Western Indian Ocean, China, Eastern Asia, Indian Subcontinent, and Indo-China.

Appearance

Growth habit

Clumping

Leaf shape

LanceToothed

Leaf texture

GlossyLeathery

Frequently asked

Can Korean Rock Fern grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Korean Rock Fern prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Korean Rock Fern need drainage?

Korean Rock Fern prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Korean Rock Fern need?

Korean Rock Fern does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

How tall does Korean Rock Fern grow?

Korean Rock Fern typically reaches 30–45 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Korean Rock Fern?

Korean Rock Fern can be propagated by division or spores.

References

  1. 1

    Kew Plants of the World Online — Polystichum luctuosum

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17208880-1
  2. 2

    Kew Plants of the World Online — Polystichum tsus-simense (synonym)

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17207450-1
  3. 3
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  5. 5

    Gardenia.net — Polystichum tsussimense

    https://www.gardenia.net/plant/polystichum-tsussimense
  6. 6
  7. 7

    Hardy Fern Foundation — Polystichum tsus-simense

    https://hardyferns.org/ferns/polystichum-tsus-simense/
  8. 8

    Great Plant Picks — Polystichum tsus-simense

    https://www.greatplantpicks.org/plantlists/view/1227
  9. 9

    NC State Extension — Polystichum luctuosum

    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/polystichum-luctuosum/
  10. 10

    GBIF — Polystichum tsus-simense

    https://www.gbif.org/species/2651108
  11. 11
  12. 12