Does it need direct sunlight?

No, it prefers bright, indirect light and will burn in direct sun.

How often should I water it?

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.

Plant guide

Leatherleaf Fern.

Rumohra adiantiformis

Pronounced roo-MO-ruh ay-dee-an-ti-FOR-mis

Also known as 7-weeks-fern, Iron Fern, Knysna Fern, Leather fern, Leathery shield-fern, Seven Weeks Fern, Seven-Weeks Fern, Thirty-Days Fern

leathery shieldfern — Photo by Nicolás Lavandero (CC BY) via iNaturalist

The leatherleaf fern is a classic, sturdy houseplant known for its glossy, deep green fronds. It thrives in humid environments and makes a wonderful addition to hanging baskets or shaded spots. Its resilient nature makes it a favorite for both indoor displays and floral arrangements.

Another photo of Leatherleaf Fern — Photo by Alice Shanks (CC BY) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Fern
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 60 to 90 cm
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 8 to 11
Bloom time: Does not bloom

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root issues. Watch for brown, crispy leaf tips which often signal that the air is too dry. Provide bright, indirect light to maintain its lush, deep green color.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist to the touch at all times.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim away any yellowing or damaged fronds at the base to encourage new growth.
Repotting: Repot when the rhizomes have filled the container or the soil has broken down.
Soil: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Temperature: 5 to 28°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on top of the soil for too long.
The plant stops growing during the active season.

Safety

People: This fern is generally considered non toxic to humans.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: Keep away from small children to prevent ingestion of fronds or soil.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

Glossy, leathery dark green fronds
Triangular, finely divided leaflets
Creeping rhizomes along soil surface
Sori arranged in rows on underside

Height: 0.6 to 0.9m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.2m
Leaves: dark green, glossy, evergreen
Flowers: 0cm

Problems to watch for

Brown Leaf EdgesCommon
Frond BrowningCommon
Root RotCommon
Scale InsectsCommon
Fungus GnatsUncommon
MealybugsUncommon
Spider MitesUncommon
Tip BurnUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, spores
When to plant: spring, early autumn
Overwintering: Bring containers indoors before the first frost. Keep the plant in a bright room away from cold drafts and heaters.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 20 cm wide.

Division

1. Gently remove the plant from its pot.
2. Use a clean knife to divide the root mass into sections.
3. Replant each section into fresh, well draining potting mix.

Group this fern with other moisture loving plants to create a microclimate that boosts ambient humidity.

Grows well with

Peace Lily · They share similar requirements for shade and high humidity.
Bird's Nest Fern · They create a beautiful textural contrast in a shaded corner.

Similar species

Boston Fern · Both are popular indoor ferns that thrive in similar light conditions.

Science

Family: Dryopteridaceae
Genus: Rumohra
Order: Polypodiales
Class: Polypodiopsida
Native range: Southern Hemisphere including South Africa, South America, and Australia.
Conservation: Not currently of conservation concern.

It grows as an epiphyte or terrestrial plant in moist, shaded forest understories.

Uses: houseplant, floral arrangements, groundcover in warm climates

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 3/9
Nutrients: 5/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 7/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need direct sunlight?: No, it prefers bright, indirect light and will burn in direct sun.
How often should I water it?: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Rumohra honors the German art historian and patron Karl Friedrich von Rumohr, while adiantiformis means shaped like an Adiantum fern.

Good to know

It is commonly called the leatherleaf fern because of its thick, leathery fronds.
It is native to many parts of the Southern Hemisphere.
It is a popular choice for wedding bouquets.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.