Dendroconche Annabellae

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

null

Synonyms

Lecanopteris annabellae (H.O.Forbes) Perrie & Brownsey; Microsorum linguiforme

Environment

Terrestrial

Native to

Papua New Guinea

Habitat

Partially epiphytic on tree trunks in montane forest at elevations of 500-1300 m, with rhizomes clasping bark and some roots entering soil or humus.

Sourcing

Wild-caught

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Moderate

Growth form

Rhizome

Max height

11 in (28 cm)

Spread

12 in (30 cm)

Growth rate

Slow

Placement

Epiphyte

Water

Temperature

70 – 82 °F (21 – 28 °C)

Humidity

70 – 95%

Planting

Substrate

Not needed

Feeds from

Roots

Fertilizer needs

Low

Colors

Green, Brown

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Rhizome division

Something wrong or missing? Submit a correction

Care guide

Overview

Small rounded sterile leaves press flat against bark alongside slender, tail-like fertile fronds that carry the spores, all rising from creeping rhizomes wrapped in dark brown scales. This slow-growing epiphyte from Papua New Guinea's montane forests suits mounted culture in a warm, humid terrarium or paludarium rather than submerged or potted setups. Growth is gradual, so patience is needed while roots anchor and the rhizome spreads across wood or rock.

Care

This fern grows from creeping, flattened rhizomes covered in dark brown scales, producing two distinct leaf types: small rounded sterile leaves pressed flat against bark, and longer tail-like fertile leaves that carry the spores. It does best mounted on wood or rock in a warm, humid terrarium or paludarium with medium indirect light and steady moisture without waterlogging. Good air circulation combined with high humidity helps prevent rot on the closely-appressed sterile fronds.

Planting & trimming

Attach the rhizome to a piece of wood or rock using thread, fishing line, or glue, keeping the rhizome itself exposed on the surface rather than buried, since covering it will kill the plant. Position it where it receives moderate, indirect light and consistent humidity, such as within a closed terrarium or paludarium above the waterline. New mounts benefit from misting until roots visibly attach to the surface.

Fertilizing

Light dosing of a diluted liquid fertilizer or occasional misting with a nutrient solution supports growth, since the plant draws few nutrients directly from soil once established on a mount. Yellowing or stunted fertile leaves can indicate insufficient humidity or nutrients rather than a true deficiency. Heavy fertilizing is unnecessary and can encourage algae growth on the mounting surface.

Propagation

Propagate by dividing the creeping rhizome into sections, making sure each division retains both roots and an active growing tip. Divided sections can be remounted directly onto wood or rock and will slowly spread and re-anchor over time. Growth is slow, so divisions should be handled carefully to avoid unnecessary stress.

Problems

Rot at the rhizome is the most common problem, usually from burying it in substrate or from stagnant, overly wet conditions. Inconsistent humidity can cause the fertile tail-like fronds to dry out or fail to fully develop. Fungal or bacterial issues can appear on new mounts before the roots have anchored, so airflow and cleanliness around the mounting site matter during establishment.

Sources

1. Dendroconche annabellae - Wikipedia
2. Dendroconche Annabellae - Buce Plant
3. SubstrateSource Live Jungle Plant - Dendroconche annabellae