Popularly known as leatherleaf fern, leather fern, or iron fern, Rumohra adiantiformis is one of the most widely used ferns in floral arrangements around the world.
Thanks to its tough leaves, which remain green and vibrant for a long time after being cut, this plant is an excellent choice for making arrangements.
Keep reading, as in this article, you will discover the special characteristics of this plant and how to cultivate it.
Characteristics of the leatherleaf fern
Rumohra adiantiformis, nicknamed leatherleaf fern due to the texture of its leaves, is native to South America, the Caribbean, southern Africa, Madagascar and other Indian Ocean islands, New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand.
This plant has rhizomes covered in dark hairs, from which its attractive leaves sprout. It’s worth noting that leatherleaf fern is not known to be toxic to dogs or cats, but it’s still best to keep pets from chewing the leaves.
When properly cultivated, it can reach about 90 cm (3 ft) in height. It is a long-lived perennial plant.
Today, this fern is commercially produced in various regions of the world, especially in central Florida (USA), South Africa, and southern Brazil.
An interesting fact is that the genus Rumohra, described by Giuseppe Raddi in 1819, was named in honor of Carl Friedrich von Rumohr, a German art historian and patron of the arts.
How to care for leatherleaf fern
Rumohra adiantiformis can be cultivated in your home or garden, provided you give it the proper care.
The following are seven simple steps to ensure the healthy cultivation of this plant. For more general tips, read our guide on how to care for ferns.
1 – Place it in the right location
This plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
When choosing the location for cultivation, it is essential to ensure that the climatic conditions are suitable for its growth, and we will address this in more detail later.
You can cultivate this plant in various places, including:
- Under the canopy of trees.
- In pots or hanging baskets.
- On shelves.
- In gardens.
- On balconies.
- In courtyards.
Furthermore, it is an excellent choice for indoor environments, as it adds a lush, green touch to any space.
You can place it in different rooms such as bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms, offices, etc.
2 – Temperature and ventilation
A suitable temperature is crucial for the development of any fern.
Leatherleaf fern, like Monarch Fern or Boston fern, thrives best at temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F).
Regarding ventilation, avoid placing it in very windy or stuffy areas. Strong winds can damage the plant and cause leaf drop, while stuffy locations can promote disease.
Ideally, it should have gentle airflow.
3 – Humidity and watering
Leatherleaf fern should be cultivated in environments with high humidity; otherwise, it may develop wilted leaves with brown tips.
To keep your Rumohra adiantiformis in a humid environment, you can:
- Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (the bottom of the pot should not touch the water).
- Keep it away from air-conditioned environments.
- Mist the leaves of your plant on drier days.
- Keep it in the bathroom, if it gets enough indirect light.
- Group it with other plants to raise the humidity around them.
You should water your leatherleaf fern as soon as the soil or substrate dries out.
To check this, do the following:
- Touch the soil with your finger.
- If soil sticks to your finger, it is still moist, so there’s no need to water.
- Water when the substrate is dry or almost dry.
When watering, avoid soaking the soil.
4 – Lighting
Leatherleaf fern is a plant that does not tolerate direct sunlight.
It is best to place it where it receives plenty of indirect light but is protected from direct sunlight.
Direct exposure to sunlight can scorch its leaves and hinder its development.
5 – Ideal soil
The ideal soil for Rumohra adiantiformis should have good drainage and be rich in organic material.
We recommend using specific fern mixes available in specialized stores, but there are also other materials you can use in your soil.
- Coarse sand.
- Peat moss.
- Coconut fiber.
- Pine bark.
- Worm castings.
- Garden soil.
- Crushed charcoal.
To facilitate drainage, remember to use pots with holes at the base.
6 – Fertilizing
Fertilizing plays a crucial role in plant development. There are 2 types of fertilizers you can use for your leatherleaf fern.
- Chemical: They are absorbed quickly, but too much can burn the roots and hinder your fern’s growth.
- Organic: They release nutrients slowly and are less likely to burn the roots, but you have less control over the exact amount of nutrients your plant receives.
Fertilizing should be done during the growth period of your Rumohra adiantiformis, which typically occurs from early spring to late summer.
If you choose to use chemical fertilizers, some options include:
- A balanced fertilizer such as NPK 20-20-20, diluted to half strength.
- Fertilizers specifically designed for ferns.
Remember to follow the packaging instructions to fertilize correctly and in the right amount.
Some options for organic fertilizers are:
- Bokashi.
- Ground eggshells.
- Bone meal.
- Worm castings.
7 – Repotting, propagation, and pruning
Repotting should be done when your leatherleaf fern has outgrown its current pot, typically every 2 or 3 years.
To perform this procedure, you should:
- Remove your plant from the pot.
- Clean its roots of the old substrate.
- Choose a larger pot to plant your fern.
- Add substrate to the new pot and plant your Rumohra adiantiformis.
Below is a video that explains in more detail how to repot a fern.
Regarding propagation, you can obtain new ferns from your leatherleaf fern through clump division or spores.
Clump division is basically done during repotting: after cleaning the old substrate off the roots, you can divide your plant into two or more.
Propagation by spores is more complicated and can take months before you see the first growth of your fern planted from spores, so we recommend multiplying your plant through clump division.
Pruning is straightforward; from time to time, remove old or dead leaves from your fern.
Frequently asked questions
What pests attack this plant? Typically, leatherleaf fern and other ferns in general are attacked by mealybugs, caterpillars, mites, aphids, and scale insects.
Does it produce flowers? No. Like all ferns, it reproduces by spores, which form in round brown dots (sori) under the leaves.
Is it toxic to dogs or cats? It is not known to be toxic, but avoid letting pets chew the leaves.
Conclusion
I hope that with this article, you have learned a bit more about the characteristics and how to cultivate the leatherleaf fern.
Remember that these are easy-to-care-for plants but also require certain care to remain healthy.
If you want to learn more about other ferns, check out the articles below:
