Question

Single leaf  

whole plant   Hi Will,
My son brought home a plant from college a few years ago.  It started as a big leaf and is now has grown to what I fondly refer to as "the Dinosaur plant."  I suspect it is some sort of fern.  The leaves/branches are thick and waxy.  I am hoping you can identify it. Photos are attached.  I have one additional photo I can send of the center of the plant from which new branches also continue to grow  but was only able to attache two.  Please let me know if you would like me to send it as well.

Can it live outside?  It has outgrown space in the house!  
Thank you!
Patti

Answer
Hi Patti,

Thank you for sending photos. Your plant is commonly called Hare's Foot Fern. Its botanical name is Polypodium aureum.

It is a tropical plant and cannot withstand temps below 55 degrees F. so you will have to keep it indoors in winter. Very long fronds can be pruned off at the base without harm to the plant. That will help keep it more manageable indoors. It is obviously well cared for, so I do not recommend making any changes to "improve" it.

I have written an article on Fern care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected]. I have also written an indoor plant care book in a PDF format that I can sell you if you contact me at my email address.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com