Evergreen holly fern with glossy deep-green sickle fronds in an upright fountain, tolerating shade and dry indoor air.
Light ExposureinfoIndoor light recommendation based on the plant's native habitat. "Bright indirect" means near a window but shielded from direct rays.
Low To Medium Indirect — Avoid dark corners. Will tolerate dim conditions.
Watering HabitinfoHow forgiving this plant is when you miss a watering or accidentally overwater. High tolerance means more room for error.
High — Water when soil surface is dry.
Maintenance DifficultyinfoOverall ease of care rating. Beginner-friendly plants communicate their needs clearly through visible signs.
High — Great for beginners. Communicates needs clearly.
Spatial RequirementinfoExpected mature size in a typical indoor environment. Actual size depends on light, pot size, and growing conditions.
Medium — Best for Living Room, Bathroom.
Seasonal BehaviourinfoHow this plant's growth changes with the seasons. Use this to adjust your care routine throughout the year.
Slows in Winter — Growth dips during shorter days. Ease off watering and skip fertilizer until spring.
Temperature NeedsinfoThis range represents the plant's survival tolerance. Optimal growing temperatures are typically 5-10°C higher than the minimum.
17°C – 27°C — Standard Indoor — Typical room temperature works well. No extra attention needed.
Leaf Size
infoBetween 5 and 20 cm — the most common range for houseplants. Think peace lily or Chinese evergreen.Medium
Leaf Surface
infoPolished, mirror-like shine. Light catches the surface clearly, creating vivid reflections.Glossy
Leaf Texture
infoThick and firm like a belt. Tough to tear, holds its shape well, and tolerates rough conditions.Leathery
Leaf Shape
infoElongated with nearly parallel sides and rounded tips. Longer than an oval but not pointed.Oblong
Leaf Type
infoLeaflets are arranged in pairs along a central stalk, like feathers on a quill.Pinnately Compound
Visual Form
infoLeaves shoot up from the centre and arc outward like a fountain spray.Upright Fountain
Foliage Density
infoPacked full of leaves — can't see through at all. Lush, full, and privacy-friendly.Dense
Size Gauge
Height
Medium / Tabletop (0.61m)
Spread
Moderate (0.91m)
Display Position
Tabletop, Floor, Hanging, Plant Stand
Perfect for
Living Room, Bathroom, Office
Color Palette
Water when top inch of soil is dry
A north-facing window or a spot far from any window. Your hand should cast a very faint, blurry shadow at most.
This one needs airflow around the roots. Use a blend of bark chips, perlite, and charcoal. The mix should feel light and loose in your hands, not compact.
Prefers it on the warm side, 17–27°C. Keep away from cold windowsills in winter. Average home humidity (40–60%) works well. No extra effort needed.
This is a slow grower — it won't outgrow its spot anytime soon, so enjoy it as-is and mostly takes care of itself. Just remove the occasional yellow leaf.
What Makes It Special
Holly-like glossy leathery fronds with falcate (sickle-shaped) pinnate leaflets resembling holly (Ilex aquifolium); epithet falcatum means sickle-shaped and genus Cyrtomium from Greek kyrtos (arched) referring to arching frond habit.
Botanical Archive
Polypodiaceae · Cyrtomium
Cyrtomium falcatum (L.f.) C.Presl
China, Japan, Korea
Storage and Survival Organ
Rhizome
How this plant survives unfavorable seasons
Seasonal Growth Cycle
Year Round Mild Winter Slow
When to expect new growth and feed actively
Clonal Spread
Rhizomes
How this plant naturally expands in a pot
Root Sensitivity
Low
How carefully you should handle roots during repotting
Attachment Strategy
Lithophytic
How this plant anchors itself in its native environment
Root System
Rhizomatous
The structure and behavior of the root system
Light Ecology
Filtered Shade
The light environment this plant evolved to thrive in
Growth Habit
Herbaceous Dieback
How persistent and structural the plant tissue is