Variegated Tongue Fern
Pyrrosia lingua 'Ogon Nishiki'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Pyrrosia lingua, known as the Chinese Cliff Fern, is an evergreen fern with leathery, glossy green fronds that display a distinctive, slightly arching form and subtle variegation, thriving in shaded, rocky environments. This cultivar, Ogon Nishiki, is distinguished by its striking variegated foliage featuring golden-yellow and green hues, adding ornamental interest and brightness to shaded garden settings.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores into moist, well-draining soil in bright, indirect light.
- Mist regularly to keep humidity high, especially in dry environments.
- Maintain soil moisture without waterlogging; keep in shade during hottest months.
- Transplant when roots outgrow the current container, usually after 1–2 years.
- Use a humidifier or pebble tray to increase ambient humidity around the plant.
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch and stress.
Pro Tip
Maintain high humidity and indirect light for healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Mist leaves regularly to increase humidity 🌱
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Place in bright, indirect light
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid cold drafts or dry air
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Variegated Tongue Fern questions
What zones can Variegated Tongue Fern grow in?
Variegated Tongue Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Variegated Tongue Fern deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Variegated Tongue Fern, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Variegated Tongue Fern bloom?
Variegated Tongue Fern typically blooms in early spring through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Variegated Tongue Fern need full sun?
Variegated Tongue Fern does best in part shade.
Is Variegated Tongue Fern drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Variegated Tongue Fern handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Pyrrosia to compare
Japanese Felt Fern
Pyrrosia lingua 'Corymbifera'
Japanese Felt Fern
Pyrrosia lingua 'Thrombosis'
Japanese Felt Fern
Pyrrosia lingua 'Limon'
Polydactyla Fern
Pyrrosia polydactyla
Arrowhead Felt Fern
Pyrrosia hastata
Japanese Felt Fern
Pyrrosia lingua 'Cuspidata'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Variegated Tongue Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
