Polypodium polypodioides

A fascinating, but common fern which gets its name from its apparent ability to return from the dead after a rain shower.

Plant Facts:

Common Name:   Resurrection Fern

Botanical Name:   Polypodium polypodioides

Plant Type:  Fern usually found growing on trees.

GREEN FROND OPEN FOR PHOTSYNTHESIS. PHOTO CREDIT NIELS PROCTOR, UNIVERISTY OF FLORIDA.

Zones: 8-11

Height:  6-8″

Soil Requirements:  Grows on trees, but is not a parasite. The fern is an air plant, which means it attaches itself to other plants and absorbs the water and nutrients that collect on the outer surface of bark.

Water Requirements: High drought tolerance.

Light Requirements: Light to medium shade.

Leaves:  Small, deeply divided fronds that are open and dark green when they have plenty of moisture, curled up and appearing brown and dead when dry.

Flowers: 

Fruit: 

Uses:  An interesting curiosity plant.

Propagation:  Spores, division of rhizomes.

Source ( “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”): NATIVE FLORIDA PLANTS: LOW-MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPING AND GARDENING