Fern 'Green Flame'

Glossy, ruffled fronds with a sculptural shape that looks like little green flames.

The Green Flame Fern, botanically known as Microsorum punctatum ‘Green Flame’, brings a bold twist to the classic fern look with broad, upright fronds that ripple, curl, and crest as they grow.

Also known as the Dwarf Elkhorn Fern, this tropical evergreen fern has thicker, glossier foliage than many traditional ferns, giving it a more structured, almost architectural appearance.

Compact but full of texture, Green Flame Fern is especially beautiful on plant stands, shelves, desks, and in bright bathrooms where its unusual fronds can really stand out.

Why You’ll Love It

• Unique ruffled foliage
  Broad green fronds develop wavy, crinkled edges and strong cresting for a sculptural look unlike softer, feathery ferns.
• Compact and upright
  Green Flame grows in a tidy clump, adding height and texture without sprawling across the room.
• Glossy tropical greenery
  Thick, shiny foliage gives this fern a lush but polished appearance.
• Perfect for smaller spaces
  Its manageable size makes it easy to style on shelves, plant stands, desks, and bathroom counters.
• A different take on a fern
  If you like ferns but want something with a little more structure, Green Flame brings the texture without looking overly delicate.

Best For

Bright bathrooms • Bedrooms • Home offices • Shelving • Plant stands • Small spaces • Fern lovers • Tropical interiors

Care at a Glance

Light: Bright, indirect or filtered light
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, allowing the surface to dry slightly between waterings
Humidity: Appreciates moderate to high humidity
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly to intermediate
Pet Friendly: Best treated cautiously unless your pet does not chew plants

Styling Tip

Let the shape of the fronds do the work.

Style your Green Flame Fern in a simple cream, stone, terracotta, charcoal, or earthy planter where the glossy, ruffled foliage can stay front and center.

Its upright shape works beautifully on a plant stand, bookshelf, bathroom counter, or desk. For a layered display, pair it with trailing plants or broader, smoother foliage so the fern’s wavy texture feels even more intentional.

Good to Know

Green Flame Fern prefers bright filtered light rather than harsh direct sun. Morning sun or bright indirect light works well, while strong afternoon sun may scorch the foliage.

Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. A loose, rich, well-draining potting mix helps give the roots moisture without leaving them sitting in soggy soil.

It also appreciates humidity, which makes bright bathrooms and kitchens especially good homes for it.

Green Flame is relatively compact, typically reaching around 1 to 1.5 feet tall, making it much easier to fit into smaller indoor spaces than many large ferns.

You may see this plant labeled Green Flame Fern, Dwarf Elkhorn Fern, or Microsorum punctatum ‘Green Flame’.

If you’re searching for a compact tropical fern with glossy, ruffled foliage, Green Flame Fern brings sculptural texture, fresh greenery, and a slightly more modern fern look to indoor spaces.