Cyrtomium falcatum aka House Holly Fern

Cyrtomium falcatum, commonly known as house holly-fern and Japanese holly fern, is a species of fern in the wood fern family Dryopteridaceae. Native to eastern Asia, it thrives in moist and stable areas such as crevices in coastal cliffs, stream banks, and rocky slopes. This evergreen fern, which can also be deciduous in colder regions, forms a tuft of leathery, pinnate fronds that can reach up to 70cm in length. Its dark glossy green leaflets are broadly sickle-shaped, giving it a distinctive appearance. With its elongated ovate shape and a maximum length of 20 inches (50 cm), the pinnate leaves of Cyrtomium falcatum make it easily recognizable. The bright green leaves have jagged edges and are supported by long thin stems. The lower part of the leaves features round sori, evenly distributed and initially bright green, but gradually darkening as they ripen. The rhizome of this fern is typically upright and scaly in texture. Cyrtomium falcatum is not only found in its natural habitat in moist places like coastal areas, rocky slopes, and deciduous forests but is also a popular choice for indoor cultivation. It thrives in containers and requires minimal care.