Actiniopteris australis – Growing and Care Guide

Actiniopteris australis (L.f.) Link, commonly called Eyelash Fern, is a compact and graceful fern prized for its delicate, fan-shaped fronds that resemble clusters of fine eyelashes. Native to dry forests and rocky habitats across Africa, southern Asia, Australia, and Madagascar, this miniature fern thrives indoors with minimal fuss. Its small size and elegant form make it perfect for terrariums, small pots, or tropical plant arrangements.

What Makes Actiniopteris australis Special?

Elegant Miniature Size: Grows only 10–20 cm tall, ideal for small spaces and terrariums.
Striking Frond Shape: Fan-like segments radiate outward, creating a soft, lush appearance.
Non-Toxic: Safe for pets and children, making it a worry-free indoor choice.

Origin, Natural Habitat, and Growth Traits

Native Range: Found across tropical and subtropical Africa, southern and southeast Asia, northern Australia, Madagascar, and parts of the Pacific Islands.
Habitat: Grows naturally on rocky limestone slopes, open forests, and dry woodland edges, often under filtered sunlight.
Growth Habit: Upright, compact, and clump-forming from a short creeping rhizome.
Leaf Texture: Thin, papery fronds that are deeply divided and feather-light.
Lifecycle: Evergreen perennial, retaining greenery year-round with proper care.
Toxicity: Completely non-toxic to pets and humans.

Actiniopteris australis Care Guide

Light

Prefers bright, indirect light.
Can adapt to moderate light but avoid strong direct sun, which can scorch fronds.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy.
Allow the top 1–2 cm of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Humidity

Thrives in moderate to high humidity (50–70%).
Use a humidifier, group plants together, or place on pebble trays if indoor air is dry.

Temperature

Best between 18–24 °C.
Protect from cold drafts and avoid exposure below 10 °C.

Soil

Use a well-draining, organic-rich potting mix.
A mix with peat moss, perlite, and fine orchid bark works well.

Repotting

Repot annually or when roots fill the pot, using a slightly larger container with drainage holes.

Fertilizing

Feed monthly during the growing season with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer.

Propagation

Propagate by division during spring repotting. Gently separate the root mass and replant in fresh soil.

Semi-Hydroponic Growing

Adaptable to semi-hydroponics using LECA if humidity and moisture levels are carefully monitored.

Pruning and Maintenance

Trim yellowing or damaged fronds to maintain a fresh appearance and promote new growth.

Common Problems and Solutions

Pests

Spider mites: Increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs: Remove manually or treat with systemic insecticide.

Root Rot

Cause: Overwatering or poorly draining soil.
Solution: Improve drainage and allow the top layer to dry before watering again.

Frond Browning

Low humidity or poor water quality. Use filtered water and boost air moisture.

Botanical Background and Etymology

Genus "Actiniopteris": From Greek "aktis" (ray) and "pteris" (fern), referring to the radiating frond segments.
Species "australis": Latin for "southern," reflecting its distribution across southern latitudes.
Taxonomic History: Originally described as Acrostichum australe by Carl Linnaeus the Younger (1782); reassigned to Actiniopteris by Heinrich Friedrich Link in 1841.

Frequently Asked Questions about Actiniopteris australis

Can Actiniopteris australis survive in low light?Yes, but bright, indirect light encourages denser and more vibrant growth.
Is it pet-friendly?Absolutely. Actiniopteris australis is non-toxic to both pets and humans.
How do I boost humidity for this fern?Use a humidifier, group plants together, or set the pot above a pebble-filled water tray.

Order Actiniopteris australis Today!

Capture the delicate beauty of nature with Actiniopteris australis. Shop now and create a lush, miniature tropical oasis in your home!

Actiniopteris australis

€6.50

VAT Included

Actiniopteris australis approx 10 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 5.5 cm pot
Name:Actiniopteris australis (described by Heinrich Friedrich Link, 1841).

Common Names: Eyelash Fern.

Growth and Habit: Herbaceous fern with compact, upright growth.

Form: Cryptophyte (rhizome geophyte).

Family: Pteridaceae.

Native Range: Tropical regions of Réunion and Mauritius.

Hardiness Zone: Suitable for indoor growing; ideal for zones 10–12 outdoors.

Height: Up to 15 cm.

Spread: Reaches a maximum width of 20 cm.

Humidity: Thrives in 60–80% humidity.

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; tolerates low light.

Temperature: Ideal range 18–24 °C; avoid cold drafts.

Soil: Well-draining organic mix (peat moss, perlite, and compost).

Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the soil dry completely.

Pruning and Maintenance: Remove yellow or damaged fronds regularly.

Foliage: Fan-shaped, fine, and delicate fronds resembling eyelashes.

Growth Rate: Moderate under optimal conditions.

Root Structure and Repotting: Shallow roots; repot annually in spring if root-bound.

Fertilizing: Monthly with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer.

Tolerance: Adapts well to low light and moderate humidity but prefers optimal conditions.

Adaptability: Excellent for terrariums and small indoor spaces.

Propagation: By division during repotting; ensure root clusters remain intact.

Common Pests: Susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs; treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Fungal Issues: Watch for root rot; avoid overwatering and improve airflow.

Flowering: Non-flowering plant.

Longevity: Perennial with proper care.

Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans.

Ideal Placement: Bright, draft-free spots with high humidity.

Special Care: No misting required; prioritize consistent humidity.

Leaf Maintenance: Use a soft cloth to clean fronds gently.

Stress Signs: Yellowing fronds indicate overwatering; browning tips signal low humidity.

Pot Material: Prefer terracotta pots for better aeration.

Taxon identifiers: PlantList-ID : tro-26600772 Tropicos ID : 26600772 IPNI plant ID : 17008180-1 NCBI taxonomy ID : 170705 GBIF taxon ID : 4205841 African Plant Database ID : 183457 Encyclopedia of Life ID : 6086506 iNaturalist taxon ID : 180681 TAXREF ID : 705766 Plants of the World online ID : urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17008180-1 World Flora Online ID : wfo-0001107811 Open Tree of Life ID : 844834 Catalogue of Life ID : 9TJW UMLS CUI : C1198066 Plant Finder ID (Chicago Botanic Garden) : actiniopteris_australis--eyelash_fern

Synonyms: ≡ Acropteris australis (L.fil.) Link = Acropteris radiata var. australis (L.fil.) Hook. ≡ Acrostichum australe L.fil. = Actiniopteris dichotoma var. australis (L.fil.) Kuhn = Asplenium australe (L.fil.) Sw. ≡ Belvisia australis (L.fil.) Mirb. = Blechnum flabellatum C.Presl ≡ Pteris australis (L.fil.) Thouars = Pteris dichotoma var. australis (L.fil.) Kuhn ≡ Pteris dichotoma var. elongata Mett. = Pteris dichotoma var. elongata Mett. ex Kuhn
Please Note:

✔ Curated Selection: We hand-pick only the most beautiful plants, ensuring you receive a high-quality specimen.

ℹ️ Representative Image: The plant photo is for reference only. Each plant is unique, so variations in leaf count, shape, and variegation are natural.

ℹ️ Size Information: Sizes are based on pot diameter and overall height (from the pot’s base to the tallest point).

ℹ️ Product Details: If a listing includes a specific plant ('Get What You See'), it will be clearly stated in the size section.

❌ No Individual Photos: We do not provide photos of individual plants unless explicitly mentioned in the size section.