Myriopteris aurea
Care, watering, light and tips for Myriopteris aurea on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Pteridaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Shade
- Temperature: 10–28 °C
About Myriopteris aurea
Myriopteris aurea, commonly known as the Golden Fern, is a medium-sized terrestrial or lithophytic fern renowned for its fronds covered in golden or yellowish scales on the underside, giving it a distinctive shimmering appearance. Its dark green fronds, bipinnate or tripinnate, can reach up to 60 cm in length, creating a delicate and elegant texture. It is ideal for shaded rockeries, fern gardens, or as an indoor potted plant where its unique coloration can be admired.
Native range
Mexico, Central America and South America
Care tips
It prefers a location with partial shade or bright indirect light, avoiding direct sun which can scorch its fronds. Watering should be moderate, keeping the substrate consistently moist but never waterlogged; allow the top layer to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Use a well-draining substrate rich in organic matter, such as a fern mix or a combination of garden soil, peat, and perlite. A common mistake is insufficient ambient humidity, which can lead to dry frond tips; consider misting its leaves or using a humidifier in dry environments.
How to save a dying Myriopteris aurea
- Warning signs
- Dry fronds, soft or moldy rhizome, stunted growth. It's very tough, so if it's ailing, something serious is wrong.
- First aid
- Repot into specific fern substrate (acidic, well-draining), remove dead fronds. High humidity is crucial.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (rhizome rot), lack of ambient humidity, or alkaline substrate. It doesn't tolerate strong direct sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the rhizome is not completely rotten. With patience and proper conditions, it will regrow from the rhizome.