Moreton Bay Fig vs Peacock Fern Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Moreton Bay Fig
Ficus macrophylla
The Moreton Bay Fig is a massive evergreen tree characterized by its impressive buttress roots and wide-spreading canopy. In its native habitat, it can reach heights of over 60 meters. It is primarily an outdoor tree, valued for its shade and dramatic presence. It is not naturally an indoor plant, and maintaining it indoors long-term is challenging due to its size and light requirements. People grow it outdoors for its ornamental value and shade.
Peacock Fern
Selaginella willdenowii
Selaginella willdenowii, commonly known as Peacock Fern, is a fern ally prized for its iridescent blue-green foliage. This plant is not a true fern but a spikemoss. The shimmering effect is caused by structural coloration, where light reflects off the leaf surface. It thrives in humid, shaded environments, mimicking its native rainforest habitat. While it can be grown indoors, maintaining the necessary humidity is crucial for its survival. People grow it for its unique and captivating foliage, adding a touch of exotic beauty to indoor spaces or terrariums. It is primarily an outdoor plant in tropical climates.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Moreton Bay Fig | Peacock Fern |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate fronds. |
| Watering | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on weather and soil drainage. | Every 2-3 days, depending on humidity and temperature |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 70-90% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | Rarely exceeds 3 meters indoors, but can reach 60+ meters outdoors. | 0.3-0.6 meters |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-draining soil mix, such as a blend of loam, sand, and perlite. | Well-draining, moisture-retentive mix such as peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | With Caution |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30 minutes weekly (mostly watering and occasional pruning). | 15 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Moreton Bay Fig
| Scientific Name | Ficus macrophylla |
|---|---|
| Family | Moraceae |
| Native To | Eastern Australia |
| Also Known As | Moreton Bay Fig, Australian Banyan |
| Leaves | The leaves are large, oval-shaped, and leathery, typically 10-20 cm long. They are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, with a paler green underside. New leaves emerge with a reddish tint. |
| Flowers | It rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it produces small, inconspicuous flowers within a syconium (a fig-like structure). |
Peacock Fern
| Scientific Name | Selaginella willdenowii |
|---|---|
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Native To | Southeast Asia, Malaysia |
| Also Known As | Peacock Fern, Willdenow's Spikemoss |
| Leaves | The leaves are small, scale-like, and densely packed along the stems. They have a shimmering, iridescent blue-green color that changes with the angle of light. The texture is delicate and slightly papery. |
| Flowers | It rarely flowers indoors. In its natural habitat, it produces spores rather than flowers. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Moreton Bay Fig
Peacock Fern
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Moreton Bay Fig
Methods: Stem cuttings, Air layering, Seed
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take stem cuttings in spring or summer. Use rooting hormone and provide warmth and humidity. Air layering is also effective.
Peacock Fern
Methods: Division, Spores
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide the plant at the roots, ensuring each division has healthy fronds and roots. Plant in a moist, well-draining potting mix. For spores, sow them on a moist peat moss surface and keep them humid until germination.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Moreton Bay Fig
The Moreton Bay Fig is known for its massive size, buttress roots, and wide-spreading canopy. Its aerial roots can also develop into additional trunks, creating a unique and impressive structure. The tree's size and root system make it a dominant feature in any landscape.
- ✓ Provides significant shade in outdoor spaces.
- ✓ Adds a dramatic and unique aesthetic to the landscape.
- ✓ Can increase property value.
- ✓ Offers a habitat for birds and other wildlife.
- ✓ Provides a sense of grandeur and maturity to the garden.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Peacock Fern
The iridescent blue-green foliage is its most striking feature, caused by structural coloration. It is a fern ally, not a true fern, belonging to the spikemoss family.
- ✓ Adds a unique aesthetic appeal to indoor spaces.
- ✓ Creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
- ✓ Can improve air quality by increasing humidity.
- ✓ Provides a sense of connection to nature.
- ✓ Offers a rewarding challenge for plant enthusiasts.
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Moreton Bay Fig
Peacock Fern
🌞 Light Requirements
Moreton Bay Fig
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Peacock Fern
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate fronds.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Moreton Bay Fig
Water deeply when the topsoil is dry. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Underwatering will cause leaf drop and stunted growth. Ensure good drainage.
Peacock Fern
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause the fronds to dry out and turn brown. Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Moreton Bay Fig
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Peacock Fern
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 70-90%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Moreton Bay Fig
Ficus macrophyllaExperienced gardeners with outdoor space who appreciate large, statement trees.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have ample outdoor space and want a large shade tree.
- You appreciate the dramatic appearance of buttress roots.
- You are an experienced gardener willing to provide the necessary care.
- You live in a warm climate where the tree can thrive.
- You want a long-lived tree that will become a significant landscape feature.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited space, especially indoors.
- You are a beginner gardener.
- You have pets that might ingest the toxic plant parts.
Peacock Fern
Selaginella willdenowiiExperienced plant enthusiasts who can provide a humid environment.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You are captivated by unique foliage and iridescent colors.
- You can provide a consistently humid environment.
- You enjoy the challenge of caring for slightly more demanding plants.
- You want to add a touch of the rainforest to your home.
- You have a terrarium or greenhouse where it can thrive.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You struggle to maintain high humidity levels.
- You tend to overwater plants.
- You prefer low-maintenance plants.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Moreton Bay Fig is rated Expert care level, while Peacock Fern is Moderate.
Moreton Bay Fig has fast growth, while Peacock Fern grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Moreton Bay Fig Care Tips
The Moreton Bay Fig is primarily an outdoor tree and is challenging to grow indoors. It requires very bright light, consistent watering, and careful monitoring for pests. Its large size makes it unsuitable for most indoor spaces. Indoor growth will be significantly stunted compared to its outdoor potential.
- Provide ample sunlight, especially if attempting to grow indoors.
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Monitor regularly for pests and diseases.
- Prune to maintain shape and remove deadwood.
- Protect from frost in colder climates.
Peacock Fern Care Tips
Peacock Fern requires high humidity and consistent moisture, making it challenging to grow indoors without proper conditions. It needs bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Regular misting or a humidifier is essential to maintain adequate humidity levels. It is more suited to terrariums or greenhouses.
- Maintain high humidity by misting regularly or using a humidifier.
- Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup on the fronds.
- Provide bright, indirect light to enhance the iridescence.
- Avoid placing the plant near drafts or heat sources.
- Monitor for pests and treat promptly.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Moreton Bay Fig
Peacock Fern
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Moreton Bay Fig
What are the light requirements for Moreton Bay Fig?
Moreton Bay Figs require bright, indirect light to thrive indoors. Placing them near a large east- or west-facing window is ideal, providing ample light without direct sun exposure. A south-facing window can also work, but it’s important to filter the light with a sheer curtain to prevent leaf burn. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and leaf drop. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure all sides receive adequate light. If natural light is limited, consider supplementing with a grow light. The light should be consistent.
How do I care for Moreton Bay Fig?
The Moreton Bay Fig thrives in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing excess water to drain away. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has drainage holes. Maintain a consistent temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and avoid sudden temperature fluctuations. These plants appreciate humidity; mist the leaves regularly or use a humidifier. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Prune occasionally to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with well-draining potting mix. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth on all sides. Keep the pot clean.
How do I propagate Moreton Bay Fig?
Moreton Bay Figs can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in moist potting mix and cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep in a warm, bright location until roots develop. For air layering, make a small cut on a stem, wrap it with moist sphagnum moss, and cover with plastic wrap. Once roots develop, cut the stem below the roots and plant in potting mix. Propagation is best done in the spring or summer. Always use clean tools. Patience is key.
Peacock Fern
What are the light requirements for Peacock Fern?
Peacock Fern requires bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant color. Direct sunlight can burn its delicate fronds, causing them to turn brown and crispy. An east-facing window is ideal, providing gentle morning light. If placing it near a south- or west-facing window, use a sheer curtain to filter the light.
How do I care for Peacock Fern?
Peacock Fern thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate fronds. Maintain consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogging. Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. High humidity is crucial; aim for 60-80%. Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or group plants together to increase humidity.
How do I propagate Peacock Fern?
Peacock Fern can be propagated through division or by spores. Division is the easier method. In spring, gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has healthy fronds and roots. Plant each section in its own pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide high humidity.
Last updated: April 30, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.