Didymochlaena truncatula

Didymochlaena truncatula is a striking evergreen fern of wet tropical and montane forests. It grows from an erect to ascending rhizome forming a short trunk-like base (caudex), with large, glossy fronds that are bipinnate. Young fronds often have a reddish or brownish tint before maturing to green.

Features:

• Widely distributed across the pantropics: tropical Africa (including sub-Saharan regions and Madagascar), Central & South America, India southwards, through Indochina, Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, and Pacific islands like Fiji and Vanuatu.

• Grows in wet, shaded, humid environments: forest understorey, stream margins, slopes, montane forest, often in moist evergreen forest.

• Fronds up to ~2.5 m long in optimal conditions; pinnules have a truncated or “cut-off” upper tip, lower margin often entire, upper margin crenate. Juvenile fronds may have pinkish/reddish emerging colour.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, filtered or indirect light. Semi-shade is ideal. Avoid harsh direct afternoon sun that may scorch leaves.

• Watering / Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. High humidity is important. Mist occasionally or provide humidity tray. During cooler or less growth-active periods, reduce watering somewhat, but avoid letting soil dry out completely.

• Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures; generally 12-22 °C (approx) is safe. Avoid cold drafts or letting temperature fall too low.

• Soil: Use a loose, well-draining, humus-rich substrate. Good moisture retention but also aeration. Leaf litter or organic compost helps.

• Fertilization: Apply a weak liquid fertilizer during active growth, but don’t overfeed. Occasional feeding is sufficient.

• Pruning / Maintenance: Remove dead or yellowing fronds. Propagate by division or spores if desired. Keep under good humidity and protection from extremes.