How to Grow Kiwi Fern
Wikimedia Commons
Kiwi Fern
Microsorum pustulatum 'Kiwi'
herbKiwi Fern is a compact, evergreen fern cultivar prized for its small, attractive fronds with distinctive texture and coloring. It is a tropical fern that thrives as a houseplant or in warm, humid outdoor environments. The plant is low-maintenance and adds lush, verdant foliage to indoor spaces and shade gardens.
When should you plant Kiwi Fern in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Kiwi Fern timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Kiwi Fern
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Kiwi Fern
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Kiwi Fern dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-11; grows as a houseplant elsewhere
Sign up free to see if Kiwi Fern grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Kiwi Fern timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksNew fronds are small and tightly coiled; plant adjusts to new location
Maintain high humidity, keep soil moist, avoid moving; mist daily; allow 2-4 weeks for acclimation
Vegetative Growth
3-12 monthsNew fronds unfurl and expand; rosette widens; distinctive texture becomes visible
Continue regular watering and misting; provide bright, indirect light; fertilize monthly with diluted liquid fertilizer during growing season
Mature Foliage
OngoingPlant reaches compact, bushy form with numerous small fronds; foliage displays characteristic texture and color
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity; rotate pot occasionally for even growth; remove any dead or yellowing fronds
Reproduction (Spore Production)
Variable; year-round in good conditionsSmall sori (spore clusters) appear on undersides of mature fronds; brown or orange in color
No special care needed; spores can be collected for propagation if desired; maintain normal watering and humidity
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity; mist fronds with water; isolate affected plant; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
-
Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; isolate plant; spray with insecticidal soap every 7-10 days
-
Remove manually with cloth; apply horticultural oil; isolate from other plants
-
Yellow sticky traps; increase air circulation; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap
Uses
Indoor Air Purification
HouseholdFerns are known to filter airborne toxins and improve indoor air quality by removing formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds. Kiwi Fern's compact size makes it ideal for desks, shelves, and small living spaces. [source]
Terrarium & Vivarium Decor
CraftThe small, delicate fronds of Kiwi Fern make it perfect for terrariums, glass vivariums, and moisture-controlled plant displays. Its low-growing habit provides texture and depth without overwhelming small spaces. [source]
Humid Habitat for Small Creatures
WildlifeIn outdoor tropical settings, ferns like Kiwi Fern create humid microhabitats that support beneficial insects, small reptiles, and amphibians. The fronds provide shelter and moisture-loving organisms thrive in the plant's microclimate. [source]
Decorative Foliage Plant
HouseholdWith its attractive, textured fronds and compact growth habit, Kiwi Fern is an excellent choice for houseplant collections, botanical displays, and interior plant styling. It adds verdant beauty to homes and offices without requiring frequent pruning. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalFerns have been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Asian cultures, for their purported anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. While Kiwi Fern is primarily ornamental, some fern species contain compounds studied for wellness applications. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for consumption. Remove dead, yellowing, or damaged fronds at the base with clean scissors or pruning shears to maintain plant appearance and encourage new growth. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier, more compact growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Kiwi Fern is named for its origin in New Zealand, where it was first cultivated and selected as a compact ornamental variety.
- 🌱 Ferns reproduce via spores rather than seeds, making them ancient plants that predate flowering plants by over 200 million years.
- 🌱 The 'Kiwi' cultivar is a compact selection of Microsorum pustulatum, bred for its small stature and attractive appearance, making it ideal for container and indoor cultivation.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Kiwi Fern planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Kiwi Fern seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Kiwi Fern timeline →