Plant portrait coming soon

Reviewed public profile

microgamma nitida

Microgramma nitida is a creeping epiphytic fern native to the tropical rainforests of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It thrives in humid, lowland environments where it naturally clings to the bark of trees and moist limestone rocks. Originally described by English botanist John Smith in 1846, its name derives from the Greek mikros (small) and gramme (line), combined with the Latin nitida (meaning shiny or bright). Highly valued in horticulture, this "snake fern" is popular in terrariums and vivariums for its glossy green fronds and trailing growth habit.

Open in BJURNY app

Growing profile

At a glance

Plant type
fern
Size
mini 4–8cm
Light
Bright Indirect
Humidity
70%–95%

Native context

Where it belongs

Countries
Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama
Ecosystems
Moist forest, Rainforest, Wet forest
Elevation
Lowland (0–500 m)
Flowering
Non-flowering

About this plant

Microgramma nitida is a creeping epiphytic fern native to the tropical rainforests of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It thrives in humid, lowland environments where it naturally clings to the bark of trees and moist limestone rocks. Originally described by English botanist John Smith in 1846, its name derives from the Greek mikros (small) and gramme (line), combined with the Latin nitida (meaning shiny or bright). Highly valued in horticulture, this "snake fern" is popular in terrariums and vivariums for its glossy green fronds and trailing growth habit.

Stable BJURNY record: tx_e6dbdbfb66fb447c8aea