PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Thrives in bright indirect or filtered shade; avoid direct midday sunlight which can scorch delicate foliage
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; use room-temperature water to prevent root shock
Temperature
Prefers cool to temperate conditions; avoid frost below 5°C and extreme heat above 28°C
Characteristics
- Foliage: Dense, scale-like deep burgundy to maroon leaves arranged in overlapping rosettes along trailing stems
- Stems: Slender, creeping stems that root at nodes to form continuous mats
- Sporangia: Tiny cone-like strobili bearing spores, typically concealed within foliage clusters
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain consistent soil moisture; mist foliage 2–3 times weekly to boost humidity
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 6 weeks. Use a highly diluted feed to avoid burning delicate root systems
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in room-temperature water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent mold and pest infestationsPruning
- Trim back overgrown trailing stems to maintain a compact mat shape
- Remove brown, dried foliage clusters to improve air circulation
- Gently divide dense mats in spring for propagation and to refresh growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity symptoms
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Terrarium ground cover, shaded garden edging, indoor tabletop foliage displays
