Drynaria coronans

Drynaria coronans is a bold tropical epiphytic fern known for its large deeply divided fronds, creeping rhizome, and distinctive basal shield fronds. As it matures, it develops a dramatic layered appearance that looks especially striking when mounted, grown in a hanging basket, or allowed to spread naturally across a large container.

This species naturally grows attached to trees and other surfaces rather than rooted deeply in soil. Its thick rhizome gradually creeps outward, producing new fronds as the plant expands.

One of the most interesting features of Drynaria coronans is its two different types of fronds. The larger green fertile fronds provide the classic fern appearance, while shorter basal fronds form tightly around the rhizome. These basal fronds naturally age to brown and remain attached, helping protect the rhizome and collect moisture and organic material.

What You’ll Receive

One live Drynaria coronans plant. Your plant will be carefully packed to protect the foliage, rhizome, and active growing points during transit.

Plant Highlights

Large deeply divided green fronds

Distinctive creeping rhizome

Develops natural basal shield fronds

Epiphytic growth habit

Excellent for mounting or hanging baskets

Can become a substantial specimen with maturity

Strong tropical and prehistoric appearance

Light

Bright indirect light to filtered light is ideal.

Drynaria coronans can tolerate some gentle morning sun, but intense afternoon sun should be avoided, especially in hot climates. Too much direct sun can scorch the foliage and cause excessive drying.

Water

Water thoroughly and allow the growing media to approach slight dryness between waterings.

The rhizome should not remain completely dry for long periods, but constantly saturated conditions should also be avoided.

Mounted plants will generally dry more quickly and may require more frequent watering than plants grown in containers.

Humidity

Moderate to high humidity is preferred.

Humidity around 60 percent or higher helps support healthy frond development and active rhizome growth.

Established plants can adapt to somewhat lower humidity when watering and airflow are balanced properly.

Growing Media

Use a coarse, airy, fast draining mix that still retains some moisture.

Suitable materials include orchid bark, coco chips, sphagnum moss, tree fern fiber, pumice, and perlite.

The rhizome should remain near the surface rather than being buried deeply.

Drynaria coronans can also be mounted onto cork, wood, tree fern panels, or other suitable surfaces.

Temperature

Warm conditions are preferred, generally around 65 to 85°F.

Protect from frost, cold drafts, and prolonged exposure to low temperatures. Growth will usually slow during cooler conditions.

Airflow

Provide gentle airflow, especially when the plant is grown in high humidity.

Good air movement helps prevent stagnant conditions around the rhizome while still allowing the plant to enjoy the moisture it prefers.

Fertilizer

Feed lightly during active growth with a diluted balanced fertilizer.

A light application every few weeks during the growing season is usually sufficient.

Avoid allowing concentrated fertilizer to sit directly against the rhizome.

Growth Habit

Drynaria coronans grows from a thick creeping rhizome that slowly travels across its growing surface.

As the rhizome extends, it produces new growth points and additional fronds, gradually forming a broad mature specimen.

Giving the rhizome room to spread will allow the plant to develop its characteristic growth habit.

About the Brown Shield Fronds

The brown basal fronds are a normal and important part of the plant.

These specialized shield fronds naturally dry and turn brown as they age. They should generally be left in place rather than removed.

In nature, they help trap leaf litter, moisture, and organic material around the rhizome, creating a natural source of nutrients for the plant.

Drynaria coronans becomes increasingly impressive as it matures, combining large green fronds, layered brown shield fronds, and a thick creeping rhizome into a dramatic tropical specimen.

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⚠️ Important Shipping Notes
We take great care to ensure your plant arrives safely:
• We ship every Monday and Tuesday to minimize weekend delays.
• We check destination weather on Sunday night and will add free insulation and heat packs when needed for safe delivery.
• If a plant arrives damaged, buyers must provide an unboxing video within one hour of delivery.
(We cannot be responsible for plants left outside, delayed opening, or packages exposed to heat/cold.)

🌟 Perfect For:
• Rare plant collectors
• Fans of unusual foliage
• Terrarium or greenhouse keepers
• Anyone building a unique indoor jungle