This lacy fern has a creeping rhizome that is covered in brown scales with erect fronds and forms a clump. The dark green arching divided triangular-shaped fronds are soft textured and hairy and the similar fertile fronds produced spores during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Microlepia firma is naturally found from India to Thailand, eastern Himalaya to south-west China, Burma and Sri Lanka growing in the understory of sub-tropical to tropical forests along the margins of creeks and amongst rocks at an altitude above 1,800 m (5,905 ft).

It prefers a semi-shaded to shaded wind protected position and grows in well to moderately drain moist organic rich sandy to clay loam that is tending acidic.

The Upside Down Fern is grown for its attractive fronds and clumping habit. It is planted long moist gullies or rockeries and used around water features. It is also mass planted as a ground cover in the understory of subtropical gardens and in cold regions it is grown in containers under glass or in a conservatory. 

It is suitable for the low mountain regions and establishes in 2-3 years and is moderately long lived. This firm is also planted along shaded borders in parks and large gardens and requires little care. ID 2559

Microlepia (my-kro-LEE--pee-a) firma (FIR-muh)

Dennstaedtiaceae (den-SHTED-tee-AY-see-ee)