Genus guide
Polypodium — 15 species
Part of the Ferns family (Polypodiopsida)
Polypodium is a wide-ranging genus of true ferns found across temperate forests worldwide, from the common polypody (P. vulgare) of European woodlands to the licorice fern (P. glycyrrhiza) of the Pacific Northwest. They prefer partial to full shade and consistently moist, well-draining soil, tolerating brief dry spells between waterings better than most ferns. Leathery fronds emerge from creeping rhizomes, making them good candidates for hanging baskets or rock gardens. Toxicity varies across the genus; verify the specific species if pets are present.
All Polypodium species we cover
- American Wall Fern
- Blue-stemmed Polypody
- California Polypody
- Common Polypody
- Formosan Polypody
- Golden Polypody
- Intermediate Polypody
- Leather Polypody
- Leathery Polypody
- Licorice Fern
- Polypodium cambricum
- Polypodium cambricum 'Cambricum'
- Polypody Fern
- Resurrection Fern
- Rock Polypody
Polypodium — frequently asked questions
Are Polypodium plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Polypodium are pet-safe. Of the 15 Polypodium species we cover, 11 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 4 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Polypodium plants need?
Most Polypodium do best in medium indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Polypodium easy to care for?
Many Polypodium are beginner-friendly — they tolerate lower light and forgiving watering. Water to how fast the pot actually dries rather than a fixed calendar and most will thrive.
How many Polypodium varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 15 Polypodium species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Polypodium, the rest follow closely.
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