Pyrrosia rupestris – The Rock Felt Fern

A fern that will grow on rocks and trees, the Rock Felt Fern is Pyrrosia rupestris. This is a climbing fern from the rainforest areas of eastern Australia.

This is naturally an epiphytic or lithophyte, its preferred habitat is on euacalyptus trees and those with rough bark are most suitable.

Two leaf forms appear on the one plant, the lower leaves are long and narrow and carry the spores, the upper leaves are rounded in shape.

This is plant that prefers a course barked tree as this allows the root system to more easily attach itself.

Best in a moist environment, Pyrrosia rupestris will cope with dry periods, it tends to drop its foliage and then recover when adequate moisture is available.

Landscaping uses

Excellent for use in gardens to create a natural forest look. It can be used to cover walls as long as suitable material is available for the rhizomes to attach to.

It will grow over fallen logs, creating an interesting feature. It is also suited to growing on rocks or retaining walls in a shaded, moist area.

Rock Felt Fern is particularly useful where a garden has natural rockwork, rough-barked trees or other surfaces that can support an epiphytic fern. It can help soften hard surfaces and create a more natural transition between rocks, trees and other shade-loving plants.

The plant’s ability to grow on both trees and rocks makes it a useful choice for recreating a small rainforest or bushland-style planting.

How to Grow Pyrrosia rupestris

Best in a moist environment, Pyrrosia rupestris will cope with dry periods. In dry conditions the fronds can curl up and the plant may appear to have dried out, but it is able to recover when adequate moisture becomes available. This ability to withstand periods of dryness is one of the features that makes it an interesting fern for growing on rocks and other exposed surfaces.

For best results, try to recreate the sheltered conditions in which the plant naturally grows.

Growing on Trees and Rocks

Try planting on the shaded side of a tree or rock with the root system close to the ground. A rough-barked tree provides a good surface for the creeping rhizomes to establish.

The Rock Felt Fern is also well suited to growing over rocks, fallen logs and suitable retaining walls. Rather than planting it deeply into soil, position the plant so that the rhizome is in contact with the surface where you want it to grow.

Once established, the long creeping rhizomes will gradually spread across the surface and create a natural-looking covering.

Position

A position in part shade with some moisture is essential. Best grown away from harsh direct sun, particularly in hot, dry conditions.

Dappled light beneath trees is ideal, although the plant can also grow in more exposed positions where there is sufficient moisture and shelter. In nature, Pyrrosia rupestris can even occur on more exposed rocks, where the fronds tend to be tougher and smaller.

Watering

A spray of water during dry periods will work wonders.

Although Pyrrosia rupestris can tolerate periods of dryness, regular moisture will help it remain actively growing and looking its best. Avoid keeping the plant constantly wet, but provide extra water during prolonged hot and dry weather.

Summary Information

• Botanical Name – Pyrrosia rupestris
• Common Name – Rock Felt Fern
• Family – Polypodiaceae
• Origins – Australia – East Coast rainforest.
• Height – Climbing to around 5 metres
• Spread – Climbing to 5metre
• Growth rate – Medium.
• Position – Part shade to dappled light.
• Soil – Epiphytic or lithophyte
• Flowering Time – N/A
• Foliage – Mid green.
• Frost tolerant – Yes.
• Drought tolerant – No, however will recover from dry periods.

Other species include : Pyrrosia confluens, the Horseshoe Felt Fern

Pyrrosia rupestris is available for sale from the following nurseries