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Polypodies (Polypodium)
Polypodies are creeping ferns that grow on the ground or over trees and rocks, each frond sprouting separately from their rhizome as it grows. The scientific name Polypodium is based on the Greek words for "many feet", which comes from the creeping rhizome's many branches. Several species have been domesticated for use as ornamentals and potted plants. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Polypodies
Feedback
Attributes of Polypodies
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Polypodies
Distribution of Polypodies
Feedback
Distribution Map of Polypodies
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Polypodies
Feedback
Polypodies comprises a variety of ferns known for their adaptability and moderate care requirements. Basic care necessitates bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, with consistent moisture maintained but not overly saturated. A stable environment with average room temperatures and high humidity suits polypodies well. Common challenges include pests like scale and mealybugs, and sensitivity to overwatering leading to root rot. Seasonally, polypodies may require less water in winter but responds well to increased humidity and regular misting during active growth periods in spring and summer.
How to Water Polypodies?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Polypodies?
How to Plant Polypodies?
Exploring the Polypodies Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Common polypody
Common polypody is a fern which grows well in moist, shady areas and spreads by creeping rhizome. It produces brightly hued evergreen foliage with spores on the undersides of the fronds. This fern makes a nice complement to flowerbeds, rose beds, and shady gardens.
Rock polypody
Rock polypody (Polypodium virginianum) is a perennial evergreen plant that prefers moist, humus-rich soil that is well drained. Thrives in partial shade to full shade. It may be hard to grow in the beginning but with proper conditions will multiply with underground creeping rhizome roots.
Licorice Fern
Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is a perennial plant that is an evergreen species. Licorice Fern can grow to be 30 cm tall. It is commonly found growing on the trunks of deciduous trees and thrives in a humid climate. It has been popular amongst Aboriginal people for its sweet taste.
Southern polypody
Southern polypody has the appearance characteristic of a fern. It is frequently planted in woodland, cottage, and rock gardens. Southern polypody is also used as ground cover in beds, borders, and underneath shrubs and roses. The spores on the underside of the leaves turn yellow in winter, giving it a highly unique appearance.
California polypody
California polypody (Polypodium californicum) is indigenous to the western coast of North America, as indicated in both its common and scientific names' mentions of California. It proliferates along the shore and in mountains and foothills where there's sufficient moisture. It requires at least partial shade.
Leathery polypody
Polypodium scouleri is a fern native to some parts of North America that is commonly known as leathery polypody. It grows across coastlines and is usually threatened by sea spray and dense fogs.
Intermediate polypody
Intermediate polypody ( Polypodium interjectum ) is a species of fern native to Central Europe from the order of the spotted fern (Polypodiales). The plant grows to heights of 20 to 40 cm . The leaflets are pointed, the bay between the leaflets usually has no cartilage connection with the midrib.
Appalachian polypody
Appalachian polypody (Polypodium appalachianum) is a terrestrial fern that is an epiphyte, depending on air and water for nutrients. Fronds grow straight out of the ground with long underground rhizomes. It is commonly found growing on rocks and cervices.
All Species of Polypodies
Common polypody
Common polypody
Common polypody is a fern which grows well in moist, shady areas and spreads by creeping rhizome. It produces brightly hued evergreen foliage with spores on the undersides of the fronds. This fern makes a nice complement to flowerbeds, rose beds, and shady gardens.
Rock polypody
Rock polypody
Rock polypody (Polypodium virginianum) is a perennial evergreen plant that prefers moist, humus-rich soil that is well drained. Thrives in partial shade to full shade. It may be hard to grow in the beginning but with proper conditions will multiply with underground creeping rhizome roots.
Licorice Fern
Licorice Fern
Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is a perennial plant that is an evergreen species. Licorice Fern can grow to be 30 cm tall. It is commonly found growing on the trunks of deciduous trees and thrives in a humid climate. It has been popular amongst Aboriginal people for its sweet taste.
Southern polypody
Southern polypody
Southern polypody has the appearance characteristic of a fern. It is frequently planted in woodland, cottage, and rock gardens. Southern polypody is also used as ground cover in beds, borders, and underneath shrubs and roses. The spores on the underside of the leaves turn yellow in winter, giving it a highly unique appearance.
California polypody
California polypody
California polypody (Polypodium californicum) is indigenous to the western coast of North America, as indicated in both its common and scientific names' mentions of California. It proliferates along the shore and in mountains and foothills where there's sufficient moisture. It requires at least partial shade.
Leathery polypody
Leathery polypody
Polypodium scouleri is a fern native to some parts of North America that is commonly known as leathery polypody. It grows across coastlines and is usually threatened by sea spray and dense fogs.
Intermediate polypody
Intermediate polypody
Intermediate polypody ( Polypodium interjectum ) is a species of fern native to Central Europe from the order of the spotted fern (Polypodiales). The plant grows to heights of 20 to 40 cm . The leaflets are pointed, the bay between the leaflets usually has no cartilage connection with the midrib.
Appalachian polypody
Appalachian polypody
Appalachian polypody (Polypodium appalachianum) is a terrestrial fern that is an epiphyte, depending on air and water for nutrients. Fronds grow straight out of the ground with long underground rhizomes. It is commonly found growing on rocks and cervices.
Polypodium ensiforme
Polypodium ensiforme
Polypodium ensiforme is characterized by its broad, tongue-shaped leaves that unfurl to reveal a vibrant green canvas. These fronds often flourish in the dappled light of forest floors, where their leathery texture and resilience to diverse conditions allow them to thrive. The simplicity of their form, with subtle veins and a gentle arch, is distinctive yet universally adaptable, illustrating nature’s balance between elegance and endurance.
Nested polypody
Nested polypody
Polypodium calirhiza is a species of fern in the polypody family. Its common names include nested polypody and habit polypody. The leaflets on each leaf are broad and oval-shaped, coming to a dull point. This fern is sometimes epiphytic.
Irregular polypody
Irregular polypody
Irregular polypody is a fern with a distinctive growth habit, typically found in shaded, moist environments. Its broad, leathery fronds unfurl in a somewhat irregular manner, which inspired its name. This evergreen perennial thrives on forest floors and rock crevices, where its spore-covered undersides contribute to its propagation. Its adaptability to low-light conditions makes irregular polypody a resilient understory inhabitant.
Polypodium cambricum subsp. macaronesicum
Polypodium cambricum subsp. macaronesicum
Polypodium cambricum subsp. macaronesicum is a distinctive fern with elongated, delicate fronds that create a lush and graceful aesthetic. Thriving in shaded, humid environments, its fronds unfurl rhythmically to reveal a vibrant green, suggestive of the plant's resilience and adaptability to its native dense woodland habitats. Polypodium cambricum subsp. macaronesicum's leathery leaf texture helps it retain moisture, a key trait for survival in its ecosystem.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Polypodies
Polypodium
Polypodies are creeping ferns that grow on the ground or over trees and rocks, each frond sprouting separately from their rhizome as it grows. The scientific name Polypodium is based on the Greek words for "many feet", which comes from the creeping rhizome's many branches. Several species have been domesticated for use as ornamentals and potted plants.
Lifespan
Perennial
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Key Facts About Polypodies
Feedback
Attributes of Polypodies
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Polypodies
Distribution of Polypodies
Feedback
Distribution Map of Polypodies
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Polypodies
Feedback
Polypodies comprises a variety of ferns known for their adaptability and moderate care requirements. Basic care necessitates bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, with consistent moisture maintained but not overly saturated. A stable environment with average room temperatures and high humidity suits polypodies well. Common challenges include pests like scale and mealybugs, and sensitivity to overwatering leading to root rot. Seasonally, polypodies may require less water in winter but responds well to increased humidity and regular misting during active growth periods in spring and summer.
How to Water Polypodies?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Polypodies?
How to Plant Polypodies?
Exploring the Polypodies Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Common polypody
Common polypody is a fern which grows well in moist, shady areas and spreads by creeping rhizome. It produces brightly hued evergreen foliage with spores on the undersides of the fronds. This fern makes a nice complement to flowerbeds, rose beds, and shady gardens.
Rock polypody
Rock polypody (Polypodium virginianum) is a perennial evergreen plant that prefers moist, humus-rich soil that is well drained. Thrives in partial shade to full shade. It may be hard to grow in the beginning but with proper conditions will multiply with underground creeping rhizome roots.
Licorice Fern
Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is a perennial plant that is an evergreen species. Licorice Fern can grow to be 30 cm tall. It is commonly found growing on the trunks of deciduous trees and thrives in a humid climate. It has been popular amongst Aboriginal people for its sweet taste.
Southern polypody
Southern polypody has the appearance characteristic of a fern. It is frequently planted in woodland, cottage, and rock gardens. Southern polypody is also used as ground cover in beds, borders, and underneath shrubs and roses. The spores on the underside of the leaves turn yellow in winter, giving it a highly unique appearance.
Show More Species
All Species of Polypodies
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
