Actiniopteris australis (Eyelash fern)

Botanical & Common Names
- Botanical name: Actiniopteris australis
- Common names: Eyelash Fern / Ray Fern

Background & Origin
This beautiful, small fern is native to Africa, Australia, the Middle East and Asia. The fronds resemble eyelashes, with verdant green colouring and look great in either a small pot or terrarium.

Care Level
- Care level: Moderate
- Suitable for beginners: If inside a terrarium

What It Loves
- Bright indirect sunlight
- Keeping the compost moist
- A consistent watering routine
- High humidity

What It Dislikes
- Overwatering or sitting in soggy soil
- Cold draughts or sudden temperature changes
- Prolonged direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves

Best Rooms for This Plant
- Bathroom
- Kitchens

Growth Potential
- Typical height indoors: Up 15 cm tall with time
- Typical spread: Up to 15cm wide
- Growth rate: Slow growing compact ideal for terrariums
- Pruning required: Occasional, to manage size or old foliage

Is This Plant Right for You?
This plant is a great choice if you:
- If you love delicate, textured greenery
- Have semi shade to bright but indirect natural light
- Stand out plant in a terrarium

Light
- Best light: Semi shade to bright, indirect sunlight
- Avoid: Strong, direct sunlight

Watering
- Frequency: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, using room temperature water.
- Seasonal note: Reduce watering in winter when growth slows. Always allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.

Once planted in a terrarium you should not need to water again.

Humidity
- Prefers: medium to high humidity
- Extra humidity helpful?: Yes, misting or placing near other plants can support healthy leaf growth.

Feeding
- Feed with: A balanced houseplant fertiliser
- Frequency: Once a month during spring and summer. No feeding is needed during autumn and winter.

Toxicity
- Pet safe: Yes
- Notes: Keep out of reach of pets and small children to avoid damage to leaves.

Repotting
- How often: Once a year
- Signs it’s needed: Roots growing out of the drainage holes, slower growth, or soil drying very quickly. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering.