A perfect location ensures Rumohra adiantiformis thrives in dappled light conditions. Place it in an environment where it receives gentle morning rays, avoiding harsh midday sun. Ensure ambient light filters through other plants or objects.

Adjust the plant's placement with seasonal changes, as sunlight intensity varies. During the summer months, relocate to a shadier spot, while ensuring some light exposure in winter assists dormancy prevention.

Leatherleaf fern (Rumohra adiantiformis)

Also known as: Leathery Shieldfern, Leather fern, 7-weeks-fern

The Leatherleaf Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis) is an evergreen fern that can reach 91 cm in both height and width. Its dark green, leathery fronds are ideal for providing a lush backdrop in shaded garden areas. This fern flourishes in environments with partial shade to partial sunlight and is excellent for use in floral arrangements.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Leatherleaf fern

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1.5 m

Spread

1 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

N/A

Flower Color

N/A

Images of Leatherleaf fern

Quickly Identify Leatherleaf fern

Leatherleaf Fern can be identified by its dark green, glossy, and leathery fronds. The fronds are usually triangular and have a fine texture with a feathery appearance. The plant is also known for its robustness and long-lasting nature, even after being cut.

Scientific Classification of Leatherleaf fern

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Ferns

Order

Polypodiales

Family

Wood fern

Genus

Leatherleaf ferns

Species

Leatherleaf fern

Planting and Growing of Leatherleaf fern

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Leatherleaf fern?

Rumohra adiantiformis prefers moderate moisture levels. Ensure the soil is evenly damp but not waterlogged, allowing the top layer to dry out slightly between watering sessions to maintain optimal health.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Leatherleaf fern? ›

What should I do if my Leatherleaf fern is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Leatherleaf fern? ›

How to save an overwatered Leatherleaf fern? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Leatherleaf fern?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 2 to 4 hours

Rumohra adiantiformis thrives best in partial shade to full shade, benefiting from indirect or dappled sunlight. This environment helps maintain lush, green foliage, promoting hydration and minimizing stress.

Perfect Location ›

Artificial Light Solutions ›

Seasonal Adjustments ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Leatherleaf fern?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Rumohra adiantiformis, commonly known as the leatherleaf fern, is between 65°F and 75°F. This range ensures optimal growth and health, as it mimics the plant's native subtropical environments. Maintaining temperatures within this range helps promote robust foliage and prevents stress on the plant.

What Soil is Best for Leatherleaf fern?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Rumohra adiantiformis thrives in nutrient-rich soils that provide essential minerals for its lush, dark green fronds. This condition promotes healthy growth and increases the plant's resilience against environmental stress. Adequate drainage is crucial for Rumohra adiantiformis to prevent root rot and other waterlogged soil issues. By ensuring water can escape easily, the plant enjoys an oxygen-rich root environment, fostering robust root systems. While it's important that soil retains some moisture to keep Rumohra adiantiformis hydrated, it shouldn't stay soggy. Moist, not saturated, conditions ensure the roots have consistent access to water without suffocation.

How to Fertilize Leatherleaf fern?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Rumohra adiantiformis, use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength during the growing season. Apply approximately 100 ml of this solution to each plant, ensuring even distribution around the root zone for optimal absorption.

How to Prune Leatherleaf fern?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin pruning by looking for any dead or yellowing leaves. Use your pruners to cut these leaves down to the base where they meet the stem. Always cut at a slight angle to prevent water from pooling on the cut surface. To encourage a fuller, bushier plant, consider trimming back some of the newer growth, too. Cut just above the next lower set of leaves to promote branching. This will help your fern develop a dense, lush look. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Leatherleaf fern plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Begin by selecting a well-draining growing medium. Mix peat moss and perlite in equal parts. Ensure that the medium is moist but not waterlogged to facilitate optimal germination conditions for the seeds.

Scatter the spores or seeds evenly over the surface of the growing medium. Press them gently into the surface without burying them deep, as light is often required for germination. Cover the tray with a clear lid to maintain humidity.

When using division propagation, carefully uproot the plant and gently separate it into sections, ensuring each section has roots attached. Use sterilized pruning shears to cut sections, and plant them immediately in prepared containers.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Leatherleaf fern plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

You should consider repotting Rumohra adiantiformis when you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes. Another signal is when the growth has slowed during the growing season, indicating the plant may be root-bound and needs more space.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes. A slightly larger pot allows the roots to expand without risking the plant becoming waterlogged, promoting healthier growth.

Opt for a high-quality potting mix that retains some moisture but also drains well. This helps maintain the right balance of water and air in the soil, preventing root rot while ensuring the plant has enough moisture to thrive.