Pyrrosia piloselloides

Genus & species | Common name:
Pyrrosia piloselloides | Dragon’s Scale Fern — Named for its small, overlapping, scale-like fronds that resemble dragon scales when densely covering tree trunks or rocks.

How to grow:
An adaptable epiphytic fern that thrives mounted on wood, cork, or stone with minimal substrate. Prefers bright filtered light, good air circulation, and moderate to high humidity. Tolerates short dry spells once established. Ideal for vertical terrarium displays or as a living mount accent.

Growing requirements:

• a) Water: Moderate; allow brief drying between waterings

• b) Soil / substrate: Mount with sphagnum moss padding or use a coarse bark–charcoal–moss mix

• c) Humidity: Moderate to high (50–80%)

• d) Sunlight: Bright indirect or dappled light (6,000–15,000 lux); 10–20W grow light

• e) Temperature: 18–30 °C; avoid prolonged drops below 15 °C

Growth habit:
Epiphytic with creeping rhizomes that cling tightly to surfaces; fronds small, round to oval, leathery

Growing season & conditions:
Grows steadily year-round in warm, humid climates; slightly slower in cool weather

Acclimatization on transport:
Fronds may curl or crisp slightly if dried; recover with misting and stable humidity

Fun fact:
In traditional Malay medicine, Pyrrosia piloselloides is called cakar kera (“monkey’s claw”) and used in decoctions for fever and kidney ailments.