The crocodile fern has unusual foliage texture that looks like the scales of a crocodile. This epiphytic fern is a native of the equatorial rainforests of south-east Asia and Polynesia where it enjoys relatively stable temperatures, high levels of humidity and shaded conditions with only filtered light. The leaves of this fern are long and strappy and can grow to 4 feet long in the wild, although 2 feet is more typical in most houseplants.

Since the crocodile fern is epiphytic, care should be taken to ensure that the growing medium is light and freely draining. This fern requires temperatures about 50 degree Fahrenheit so it must be overwintered indoors in Chicago.