Wart Fern
Phymatosorus scolopendria
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Aug 4, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Wart Fern
Microsorum scolopendria, wart fern, is a tropical epiphytic fern native to Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands, with wavy-edged, strap-like fronds and conspicuous rounded sori (spore clusters) on the undersides that give the fronds their characteristic warty appearance. A tough, adaptable fern commonly grown on tree trunks and in shaded tropical landscapes. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. May need protection below 25°F.
Care essentials
Wart fern thrives in partial shade to full shade in NE Florida; avoid direct afternoon sun, which scorches fronds. A north- or east-facing exposure under tree canopy is ideal.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during NE Florida's dry season (Oct–May); established plants have moderate drought tolerance once rhizomes are well-rooted.
Plant in moist, organic-rich, well-drained soil. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) lightly in spring and summer; avoid over-fertilizing. Note: this species is invasive in South Florida — contain rhizome spread.
Similar needs
Autumn Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and loam.
Blue Star Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and loam.
Crocodile Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and loam.
Holly Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and loam.
Japanese Painted Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and loam.
Kangaroo Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and loam.
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Common questions
Is Wart Fern a good plant for St. Augustine?
Wart Fern is a fern for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 1-2 feet × 2-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.