Pleopeltis michauxiana — Resurrection Fern | Native Tennessee Epiphytic Fern, Live Clumpsv
Resurrection Fern (Pleopeltis michauxiana, commonly sold as Pleopeltis polypodioides) is a native Tennessee epiphytic fern grown from wild-type Middle Tennessee stock. In the wild, it grows on the bark of oaks and other large trees, or on shaded rock ledges and boulders, without taking any nutrients from its host — it simply uses the surface as an anchor point, drawing moisture and nutrients from rainfall and air.
This species earns its name from a genuinely striking survival trait: during dry periods, its fronds curl tightly and turn gray-brown, appearing completely dead. Within hours of rainfall or watering, the fronds uncurl and green back up, fully "resurrecting" — a dramatic, visible demonstration of desiccation tolerance that few other plants can match. It's frequently found growing alongside other epiphytes like Spanish moss on large oak limbs.
Because this fern grows naturally as an epiphyte or lithophyte, it's best mounted on bark, driftwood, cork, or a rock surface rather than potted in soil — a great choice for naturalistic terrarium builds, mounted woodland displays, or attaching directly to a tree in your own landscape.
Growing conditions:
- Light: Dappled to partial shade
- Water: Highly drought-tolerant; will curl and appear dead when dry, reviving fully with moisture
- Mounting: Best secured to rough bark, cork, driftwood, or rock with fishing line or natural fiber until it self-anchors
- Setting: Mounted displays, tree trunks (oak is an excellent host), terrarium features, shaded rock gardens
Size: Two live clumps per order, each with at least 5 fronds.
Shipping: Orders ship out UPS every Monday.