🌳 Habitat and Ecology
​Ophioglossum pendulum (often classified as Ophioderma pendula) is a fascinating, large, pendent epiphyte native across the Paleotropics. Its vast distribution spans from Madagascar and Eastern Africa through Southeast Asia (including Indonesia, the Philippines, and New Guinea) to Australia (Queensland and New South Wales) and Oceania (Fiji, Tahiti). This fern, a member of the Adder's-tongue family, is typically found growing on the trunks and large branches of trees (epiphytic) or sometimes on rocks (lithophytic). It thrives in wet tropical and subtropical forests at low to medium elevations, relying on high humidity and deep shade.
​🌿 Description and Distinguishing Features
​Commonly known as the Whip Fern or Pendulous Adder's-tongue, this primitive vascular plant is highly unusual in its appearance.
​Rhizome: It grows from a short, ascending rhizome.
​Fronds (Trophophores): The plant produces numerous, long, fleshy, and simple fronds that are pendent (hanging downwards) and ribbon-like. These sterile fronds are broad, leathery, and often fork or bifurcate several times towards the tip, giving it a split, ribboned appearance. They can grow exceptionally long, sometimes reaching 1 to 2 metres in length.
​Fertile Spike (Sporophore): Like all Ophioglossum, it exhibits a fertile spike that emerges from the base of the sterile frond. This spike is stout, fleshy, and simple, containing two rows of embedded sporangia that release spores, marking its primitive form.
​💧 Cultivation and Care
​Ophioglossum pendulum is a specialist warm-intermediate growing fern requiring consistent high humidity and shade, making it ideal for a humid cabinet, terrarium, or warm greenhouse in the UK.
​Light: Prefers deep shade to moderate, filtered light. Protect it absolutely from direct sun, which will severely burn the fleshy fronds.
​Substrate: It must be grown in a highly porous, soilless medium. It is often best mounted on cork, tree fern fibre, or wood with a thick pad of sphagnum moss.
​Watering: The plant is intolerant of drying out. The medium must be kept consistently and evenly moist year-round. Water frequently, but ensure the mount/pot drains instantly to prevent base rot.
​Temperature: Requires stable warmth.
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 21-30 C (70-86 F).
​Minimum Winter Temperature: Not below 15 C (59 F).
​Humidity: Very high humidity (70-90%) is mandatory.
​✨ Unique Features
​This fern is a botanical curiosity and a spectacular collector's plant due to its primitive lineage and its dramatic, multi-forked, ribbon-like pendent fronds that resemble a dense, flowing green curtain. Its unique growth habit makes it an unparalleled specimen for hanging displays in high-humidity environments.
​🏷️ Specifications
​Plant Size: multiple fronds that measure more than 50 cm. A true specimen of a rare plant.
Plant Family: Ophioglossaceae
Plant Passport: A Ophioglossum pendulum B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB