Light
Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux






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Quick Care Guide
Light
Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux
Watering
Water when ~10–25% dry
Substrate
Moisture-retentive but aerated • Evenly moist • Organic-leaning • Fine-medium
Temperature
Ideal: 15–24 °C • Avoid below: 10 °C
Humidity
Humid 60–80 % +
Growth habit
Creeping epiphytic fern.
Support
not needed
Growth speed
Average
Max size indoors
Max. height: 60 cm • Max. spread: 50 cm
Toxicity & safety
Non-toxic
Origin & habitat
Cultivar of Microsorum musifolium; species native from southern Myanmar to New Guinea
Outdoor growing
Outside from 12 °C · sheltered from wind
These care values are quick reference points for indoor growing. Use them as a guide, then adjust for pot size, substrate, temperature and how quickly the substrate dries.
For more detail, read the full product description or visit our Plant Care Guides.
Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodyllus' is a tropical epiphytic fern with glossy strap-shaped fronds and a raised network of darker veins that gives the leaf surface its crocodile-skin look. The simple, undivided fronds give the plant a broad outline with detailed texture up close.
This fern belongs to Polypodiaceae and grows naturally from southern Myanmar through parts of Southeast Asia to New Guinea. In habitat, Microsorum musifolium grows as an epiphyte, anchoring on trees in loose organic pockets. Indoors, the roots need moisture, oxygen and a coarse organic substrate that holds light moisture while staying airy.
Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodyllus' grows from a rhizome that produces firm fronds in a clumping pattern. The fronds can arch outward as they lengthen, so the plant needs space wider than the pot rim. Mature fronds may show round, evenly arranged sori underneath; these are part of normal fern reproduction.
The crocodile texture comes from raised venation across the glossy frond surface. Steady humidity and filtered light keep the raised venation clear and the frond surface glossy. Dry air, mineral-heavy water or direct sun can quickly show as brown edges, dull patches or scorched areas.
'Crocodyllus' originated as a naturally occurring whole-plant mutation of a Microsorum musifolium selection. It was selected from tissue-cultured plants in Kuranda, Australia, and is propagated vegetatively to keep the textured frond character consistent. Vegetative propagation preserves the raised, crocodile-like surface as a stable cultivar feature.
In a warm plant cabinet or shaded tropical shelf, Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodyllus' needs a draining pot, gentle airflow and fronds that dry between watering splashes. As an epiphyte, it needs moisture moving through the root zone, with excess water draining away from the rhizome.
Microsorum musifolium 'Crocodyllus' is a true fern and is commonly treated as low-risk around cats and dogs. Regular chewing can still damage the fronds and may cause mild stomach upset in sensitive pets, so place it away from repeated nibbling.
Microsorum musifolium is the accepted botanical name for the species. The accepted species name Microsorum musifolium (Blume) Copel. was published by Edwin Bingham Copeland in University of California Publications in Botany 16: 112 in 1929. The basionym Polypodium musifolium Blume was published in 1828. The genus name Microsorum comes from Greek roots meaning small and heap, referring to the sori on the frond undersides. The epithet musifolium means with leaves like Musa, referring to the broad banana-like frond shape. The cultivar name 'Crocodyllus' is linked to the raised crocodile-like texture of the fronds.
Plant names, growth habits, natural habitats and indoor care guidance are checked against trusted botanical, habitat and horticultural references before publication.View our plant care resources and references.