Pyrrosia piloselloides

Dragon Scale Fern, Dragon's Scale Fern, Dwarf Tongue Fern

Easy careEpiphyteNon-toxic2–5 cm

A miniature creeping fern from tropical Asia with button-like, fleshy round leaves that overlap as the rhizome — a horizontal stem — spreads along surfaces. It is an epiphyte, naturally growing on tree trunks and branches rather than in soil. In a terrarium, it does best mounted on driftwood or bark. Once established, it gradually blankets hardscape in a dense layer of green scales.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Dragon Scale Fern image

Care

Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 18–26 °C, and reaches 5 cm at maturity.

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Bright indirectShade tolerant

Humidity

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

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
18°C – 26°C

Soil

Sphagnum mix(preferred)Orchid mix

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Propagation

Divide the creeping rhizome into sections with at least 4–5 leaves each. Attach divisions to moist hardscape — driftwood, bark — or sphagnum moss. Keep humid and mist regularly until established. Spring is the best time for division.

Native range

Native to China, Eastern Asia, Indian Subcontinent, Indo-China, Malesia, and Papuasia.

Appearance

Growth habit

Creeping

Leaf shape

Round

Leaf texture

Leathery

Frequently asked

Can Dragon Scale Fern grow in a closed terrarium?

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

Does Dragon Scale Fern need drainage?

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

What humidity does Dragon Scale Fern need?

Dragon Scale Fern does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Dragon Scale Fern pet-safe?

Dragon Scale Fern is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Dragon Scale Fern grow?

Dragon Scale Fern typically reaches 2–5 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Dragon Scale Fern?

Dragon Scale Fern can be propagated by rhizome division or spores.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6