Onychium japonicum · Japanese carrot fern (claw fern)

The plant shows very finely dissected, lacy fronds with tiny, closely spaced pinnules giving a feathery, almost carrot-leaf or conifer-like texture, growing in a loose, trailing/mounding habit that spills over the pot edge - consistent with Onychium japonicum, a fern commonly grown in greenhouses for its delicate lace-like foliage. However, I can't rule out other fine-textured possibilities such as Asparagus setaceus (plumosa fern, not a true fern but very similar feathery appearance), a Selaginella species, or another finely-cut Adiantum or Cheilanthes species, since the photo doesn't show sori (spore clusters) on the frond undersides, rhizome/stem covering (scales vs. hairs), or a close-up of a single pinnule's shape and attachment. The previously rejected IDs (Asplenium bulbiferum, Davallia fejeensis, Lygodium japonicum) don't match because this plant lacks the coarser, more triangular/bulbil-bearing fronds of Asplenium bulbiferum, the thicker rhizome-creeping habit with hairy 'rabbit's foot' rhizomes typical of Davallia, and the twining vining growth of Lygodium. A close-up of the frond underside (to check for sori placement), the rhizome/base of the plant, and the frond tip would help confirm the exact genus/species.

Generated 2026-08-21 17:30 by anthropic (claude-sonnet-5).

Light

Bright, indirect light or dappled shade; avoid direct sun which can scorch the delicate fronds.

Water

Keep soil evenly moist at all times; do not let it dry out completely, but avoid waterlogging.

Nutrients

Dilute balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during spring through summer; skip feeding in fall and winter.

Repotting

Repot every 1-2 years in spring when roots fill the pot, using a slightly larger container.

Soil media

Loose, well-draining, humus-rich potting mix -- standard potting soil amended with peat/coir and perlite works well.

Temp & humidity

60-75F; high humidity (50-70%+) -- mist regularly or place on a pebble tray, especially in drier rooms.

Temperature range

🌡️ 60-75F

Humidity range

💦 50-70%

Care group

🏷️ Low Light & Humid

Toxicity

No known toxicity concerns for pets or people.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free, but watch for scale and mealybugs; fronds can develop brown crispy tips if humidity is too low or if exposed to direct sun/drafts.

Propagation

Divide clumps at the rhizome during repotting, ensuring each division has roots and fronds attached.

Generated 2026-08-21 17:37 by anthropic (claude-sonnet-5).