Arachniodes standishii, commonly known as Upside-Down Fern, is an evergreen fern native to the cool, moist, and shaded forest floors of Taiwan, Japan and Korea. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a width of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters), featuring glossy, dark green fronds that have a distinctive holly-like appearance. The fronds are triangular and the plant’s common name derives from the peculiar way the tips of the fronds point upwards, as if the fern were upside-down. Flowering is not applicable to ferns, but the fronds’ unique structure and year-round presence provide visual interest.

Upside-Down Fern is valued for its lush foliage and adaptability to low-light conditions, making it an excellent choice for shaded gardens, woodland plantings, and as a ground cover under taller plants. It thrives in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil and benefits from regular watering, though it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. This fern is not known for major disease or pest issues, but it can suffer from root rot if the soil is too wet. It is not invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant.CC BY-SA 4.0