Does it need soil to grow?

It is an epiphyte and can grow on bark or rock crevices with minimal organic matter.

How do I know if it is dead or just dry?

If the fronds are brown and curled, it is likely just dormant; give it a misting to see if it unfurls.

Plant guide

Resurrection fern.

Pleopeltis michauxiana

Pronounced plee-oh-PEL-tis mi-shaw-kee-AY-na

Also known as resurrection fern

resurrection fern — Photo by Michael J. Papay (CC BY) via iNaturalist

This charming fern is famous for its ability to shrivel up during dry spells and turn vibrant green again after a good rain. It is an epiphyte, meaning it naturally grows on the bark of trees rather than in the ground. You will love watching it come back to life in your garden or on a mount.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Fern
Light: Partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 2 to 7 days
Mature size: 12 inches
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 6 to 9

Care

Mount this fern on a piece of bark or wood to mimic its natural habitat. Keep an eye on the fronds, as they will tell you when they need moisture by curling inward. Ensure the air stays humid to keep it happy.

Watering: Mist frequently or soak the mount when the fronds begin to curl.
Feeding: Use a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim away any dead or brown fronds to keep the plant looking tidy.
Repotting: Since it is an epiphyte, you only need to refresh the mount or move it to a larger piece of wood if it outgrows its space.
Soil: None, epiphytic
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Temperature: -10 to 35°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 plus years
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the container drainage holes
Fronds becoming stunted or yellowing
The potting medium has broken down into fine dust

Safety

People: There are no reports of significant toxicity to humans, but it is not intended for consumption.
Children: Keep out of reach of small children to prevent accidental ingestion of foliage.
Contact allergens: The spores may cause mild irritation to sensitive skin during handling.
Airborne allergens: The fine spores released during reproduction can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: This fern is not considered edible and may cause stomach upset if ingested.

How to identify it

Leathery, oblong, deeply lobed fronds
Scaly brown rhizomes
Small round sori on leaf undersides
Fronds curl when dry

Height: 0.15 to 0.3m
Spread: 0.2 to 0.45m
Leaves: green, evergreen
Flowers: 0cm

Problems to watch for

Scale insects · Small sap sucking insects that appear as brown bumps on the underside of fronds.
Root rot · Caused by overly wet soil conditions that prevent the roots from breathing.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, spores
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Keep the plant in a sheltered spot away from drying winds. If grown outdoors, ensure it has good drainage to prevent freezing in waterlogged soil.
In containers: It grows well in shallow containers or on mounting boards with moss, provided humidity is kept high.

Division

1. Gently lift the clump from its host or pot.
2. Use a clean knife to separate the rhizomes into smaller sections.
3. Reattach the sections to a new piece of bark or a shallow tray with moss.

Pair this fern with other shade loving plants that appreciate consistent moisture and dappled light.

Grows well with

Oak tree · It naturally grows on the bark of these trees as a host.
Christmas fern · They share similar woodland habitat requirements.

Similar species

Polypody fern · It has a similar growth habit and preference for rocky or woody substrates.

Science

Family: Polypodiaceae
Genus: Pleopeltis
Order: Polypodiales
Class: Polypodiopsida
Native range: Southeastern United States
Conservation: This species is common in its native range and is not currently of conservation concern.

It survives by clinging to tree bark and absorbing moisture directly from the air and rainfall.

Value to wildlife: provides cover for small insects
Uses: woodland gardens, rock gardens, epiphytic displays

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 2/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need soil to grow?: It is an epiphyte and can grow on bark or rock crevices with minimal organic matter.
How do I know if it is dead or just dry?: If the fronds are brown and curled, it is likely just dormant; give it a misting to see if it unfurls.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Pleopeltis comes from the Greek words for full and shield, referring to the spore cases. The species name honors the French botanist Andre Michaux.

Good to know

It is often found growing on the branches of oak trees in the wild.
The fronds can lose up to 90 percent of their water content and still survive.
It is commonly known as the resurrection fern because of its ability to revive after rain.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.