Also known as Jointed Fern
Arthropteris tenella, Climbing Fern, is a delicate, scrambling fern native to Australia and New Zealand, forming a tangled mass of wiry stems and small fronds.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
75% intensity
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.
Keep soil consistently moist
75% intensity
Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce in winter.
Moist, Well-drained
50% intensity
Average room temperature
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C; avoid cold drafts.
Moderate feeding during growth
50% intensity
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half, every 4-6 weeks in spring/summer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
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. Allow the top centimeter of soil to dry out slightly between waterings, especially during the growing season.
Reduce watering in winter, but never let the soil become completely dry. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing fronds. This can be done year-round as needed.
For more vigorous growth, you can cut back older stems in early spring to encourage new shoots from the base of the plant. Use clean, sharp pruning tools.
Propagation is typically done through division of the rhizomes in spring. Carefully separate sections of the rhizome that have healthy roots and at least one new frond.
Pot the divisions into well-draining potting mix and keep them consistently moist until established.
Repot your Climbing Fern every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. The best time to repot is in the spring before new growth begins.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, using a well-draining, peat-based potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Climbing Fern (Arthropteris tenella)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Tectariaceae |
| Genus | Arthropteris |
| Species | Arthropteris tenella |
Similar in genus Arthropteris
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
