Hemionitis seticaulis

The sickle fern is an evergreen, perennial, tufted fern that prefers humid and tropical environments and is native to Southeast Asia, New Zealand and parts of Australia. It is a member of the ribbon-fern family (Pteridaceae). The genus name, Hemionitis, is derived from the Greek word heminonos, meaning "mule." This is believed to refer to the plant being sterile. The specific epithet is compounded from the Latin words seta, meaning "bristle or hair," and caulis, meaning "stem or stalk" and refers to the hairy stipe.

The sickle fern prefers indirect sunlight and can tolerate low light conditions and thrives in moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil. The soil needs to be kept moist but not saturated. Regular misting will help provide an adequate humidity level. The fern grows in dappled sun to deep shade. Remove any dead or damaged fronds to encourage new growth. This plant can be propagated by either spore collection or rhizome division. 

This plant is found in shaded forests along streams and waterfalls. The fronds are borne from short and stout, creeping rhizomes. It is cultivated as an ornamental and can be grown indoors as a houseplant or as a groundcover in tropical and subtropical regions. Its attractive foliage consists of erect, dark green, leathery, linear-shaped fronds and sickle-shaped leaflets. The fronds may be used in floral arrangements.

This unique and attractive fern makes it a popular specimen for houseplant enthusiasts. In tropical areas, it can be grown in shade gardens or as a border planting or on a slope.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  The sickle fern is generally disease- and insect-resistant. Monitor for scale or aphids and potential fungal infections.

VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum.