Fern
Wart Fern
Phymatosorus scolopendria
Varieties We Carry
SwordPhymatosorus scolopendriaAssortedPhymatosorus scolopendriaStandardPhymatosorus scolopendria
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
3 galFrom$16.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightPart Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size1-2 feet × 2-4 feet
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
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. May need protection below 25°F.
Care essentials
Light
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.
Water
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.
Soil & Fertilizer
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.
From $6.95Same conditions
Blue Star Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and loam.
From $39.95Same conditions
Crocodile Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and loam.
From $7.95Same conditions
Holly Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and loam.
From $44.95Same conditions
Japanese Painted Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and loam.
From $14.95Same conditions
Kangaroo Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and loam.
From $9.95Same conditions
You may also like
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.