Also known as Climbing Maidenhair · Climbing-Maidenhair Fern · Small-Leaf Climbing Fern
Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) is an invasive vine with delicate, lacy fronds, forming dense mats that smother native vegetation.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright Indirect Light
75% intensity
Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch fronds.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil, avoid drying out completely.
Loamy, Sandy, Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from cold drafts.
Moderate Feed
50% intensity
Feed monthly during the growing season with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Old World Climbing Fern thrives in humid environments, so regular watering is crucial, especially during dry periods.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings, but never let it become completely dry.
Prune to control its size and remove any dead, damaged, or overgrown fronds. Since it's a climbing fern, you can guide its growth by trimming back errant vines.
Pruning also encourages bushier, more vigorous new frond production.
Propagation is typically done through division of established plants or by spores. Division is easiest in spring when new growth appears.
Carefully separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has roots and at least one growing point, and replant immediately.
Repot Old World Climbing Fern every 1-2 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one.
Repotting is best done in spring before active growth begins.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum)
Where Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Schizaeales |
| Family | Lygodiaceae |
| Genus | Lygodium |
| Species | Lygodium microphyllum |
Similar in genus Lygodium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
