Drynaria coronans, a tropical fern that grows on trees. Easy-care indoor plant!

This tropical rock sweetgum grows naturally in parts of Southeast Asia and has become popular with collectors due to its unique growth habit and size. The leaves can grow up to 1.8m long!

It is an epiphytic fern, which means that it usually grows without soil, often on tree trunks, where it forms large, dense clumps of both living and dead leaves.

Botanical description.

This species is native to central Nepal to the Nansei Islands (Ryukyu Islands) and the Malay Peninsula. It is sometimes confused with Drynaria quercifolia , which it resembles in shape, but coronans is usually larger and more "bold" in appearance. It may also be known as Pseudodrynaria or aglaomorpha coronans, depending on the source.

What makes Drynaria coronans so special is the combination of its two different leaf types. The sterile leaves (“scutellaria”) are broad and brown, and sit tightly against the substrate. They protect the rhizome and collect organic matter and moisture.

The fertile leaves are the exact opposite, long, green and lobed and can grow up to 1.8m long when fully grown.

Care.

Keep the soil slightly moist at all times and place the plant where the humidity is highest, with bright but indirect light. It can handle a little morning or evening sun, but no more. The fern thrives best in humid environments such as bathrooms, plant cabinets or terrariums. To increase the humidity, you can also spray the plant regularly with water.

Appearance.

The leaves are slightly leathery and have a distinctive pattern reminiscent of reptile skin, hence the nickname Snake Leaf Fern .

The sturdy rhizome (the thick rootstock) is covered in a dense layer of golden yellow hairs, almost looking like it is dressed in fluffy velvet.

Some species in the genus Aglaomorpha also grow in a spiral, which not only looks cool, but also helps the plant collect leaves and organic debris. Over time, it breaks down into its own little compost layer, which the plant then draws nutrients from. Smart, right? Buy Drynaria coronans online!