Species

Pyrrosia linguaJapanese Felt Fern

5 other cultivars

fern

Variegated Tongue Fern

Pyrrosia lingua 'Ogon Nishiki'

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.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush, textured greenery to shaded areas, enhancing visual interest.

Thrives in low-light conditions, ideal for indoor and shaded outdoor spaces.

Provides habitat for beneficial insects and maintains humidity in dry environments.

SpeciesPyrrosia linguaJapanese Felt Fern

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

8 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring – Early fall

In flower about 7 months of the year

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

Shaded woodland gardenEpiphytic plant display

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Begonias

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.