Tectaria zeilanica

Oak Leaf Fern, Oakleaf Fern

Moderate careLithophyteNon-toxic10–20 cm

A miniature fern from the tropical forests of Sri Lanka, southern India, and Southeast Asia, recognised by its sterile fronds that are shaped almost exactly like small oak leaves. In the wild it grows as a lithophyte on rocks and shaded forest floors, which is why it thrives under the stable humidity and low light of a closed terrarium. It is a very slow grower with shallow, wiry roots — well suited to the confined space of a planted vivarium. Adult plants remain compact at 10–20 cm tall, making it useful wherever a fine, textured layer of greenery is needed.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Oak Leaf Fern image

Care

Prefers high humidity, low light, with 15–35 °C, and reaches 20 cm at maturity.

Light

Shade tolerant(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

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

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
15°C – 35°C

Soil

Moisture retentive(preferred)Loamy

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5 – 7

Propagation

Divide the rhizome in spring, ensuring each section retains at least one growing bud. Keep divisions consistently moist and in high humidity while they establish — the shallow, wiry root system is slow to reestablish.

Native range

Native to Indian Subcontinent, Indo-China, and Malesia.

Appearance

Growth habit

ClumpingCreeping

Leaf shape

Lobed

Leaf texture

SmoothLeathery

Frequently asked

Can Oak Leaf Fern grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Oak Leaf Fern prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates shade-tolerant conditions.

Does Oak Leaf Fern need drainage?

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

What humidity does Oak Leaf Fern need?

Oak Leaf Fern does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Oak Leaf Fern pet-safe?

Oak Leaf Fern is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Oak Leaf Fern grow?

Oak Leaf Fern typically reaches 10–20 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Oak Leaf Fern?

Oak Leaf Fern can be propagated by division or spores.

References

  1. 1

    Kew Plants of the World Online — Tectaria zeilanica

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17455910-1
  2. 2

    Wikipedia — Tectaria zeilanica

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tectaria_zeilanica
  3. 3
  4. 4

    Araflora — Oak Leaf Fern (Quercifilix zeylanica) care sheet

    https://www.araflora.com/p2155/oak_leaf_fern_quercifilix_zeylanica
  5. 5

    My Home Nature — Tectaria zeilanica product listing

    https://www.myhomenature.com/products/oak-leave-fern-tectaria-zeilanica
  6. 6

    PictureThis — Tectaria care guide

    https://www.picturethisai.com/care/Tectaria.html
  7. 7

    Dave's Garden — PlantFiles: Oak Leaf Fern

    https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/141014
  8. 8