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Climbing bird's nest fern (Microsorum punctatum)

Microsorum punctatum is an evergreen fern that may grow as an epiphyte, on rocks, or on the ground. It is reported to be perennial.

LightIt is reported to grow from shaded to more exposed positions. It is generally described as tolerant of part sun.
WaterIt occurs both near streams and in drier environments, while terrestrial plants have been recorded in moist, well-drained settings. It is generally described with a moisture target of keeping it slightly dry.
HumidityIt is generally described as having a high humidity need.
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Climbing bird's nest fern illustration

Overview

Microsorum punctatum is an evergreen fern that may grow as an epiphyte, on rocks, or on the ground. It is reported to be perennial.

Origin and habitat

Microsorum punctatum is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical parts of Africa and Asia, extending to New Guinea and Pacific islands; Taiwan is listed among its native areas, while Colombia has records as alien, cultivated, or introduced. It usually grows as an epiphyte but may also occur on rocks or on the ground, in a variety of primary and secondary, evergreen or deciduous forests, from moist sites near streams to drier sites and from shaded to more exposed locations; when terrestrial, it may occur in moist, well-drained environments. It is reported from tropical to subtropical climates.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, with the limited available information placing it at about 100–100 cm. Sources describe the leaves differently: they are green and may be simple and lance-shaped with a pointed tip, an inconspicuous petiole, and a winged leaf base, with leaf size varying among individuals. Microsorum punctatum has a creeping rhizome.

Light

It is reported to grow from shaded to more exposed positions. It is generally described as tolerant of part sun.

Watering

It occurs both near streams and in drier environments, while terrestrial plants have been recorded in moist, well-drained settings. It is generally described with a moisture target of keeping it slightly dry.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally described as having a high humidity need.

Propagation

It is reported to propagate by spores. It is also reported to be propagated by division.

Identification

Microsorum punctatum has a short to shortly creeping rhizome and can form large clusters of leaves; the rhizome bears dense roots and is also described as being covered with dark brown scales. Its form is highly variable.

Photos

Microsorum punctatum
📷 Mark Marathon · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

Sources