Lecanopteris crustacea is a fascinating epiphytic fern native to Southeast Asia (Peninsular Thailand to West Malaysia) that grows in tropical rainforest canopies, often as a tree‑dwelling “ant fern” with a thick, hollow, scaled rhizome that in nature often hosts ants. 
The rhizome is often flattened or angular with red‑brown speckles, covered in coarse scales, giving it a striking sculptural appearance.
Leaves (fronds) emerge from the growing tips, forming a compact tuft. The species is prized for its distinctive rhizome texture and relatively modest size, making it popular among fern and epiphyte enthusiasts.

Short Care Guide

Light:
Provide bright, indirect light—similar to a filtered rainforest canopy. Avoid strong direct midday sun. Semi‑shade is ideal.

Temperature:
Intermediate to warm conditions are best. Daytime around ~20‑30 °C (68‑86 °F), night not too cold—don’t let temperatures drop below ~15 °C (59 °F).

Humidity & Airflow:
High humidity (≈ 70 % or more) combined with good air circulation helps maintain healthy rhizomes and leaves. Because it is epiphytic, stagnant, damp air around the rhizome can lead to rot.

Watering & Substrate:

• Mounting is an excellent option (e.g., cork, tree‑fern plaque) with a lightly moist bed of sphagnum or similar.

• If potted, use a very open, well‑draining mix (coarse bark + perlite + moss) and allow slight drying between waterings—do not let the rhizome sit in soggy medium.

• In growth phases, water regularly; reduce slightly in cooler periods, but maintain humidity.

Potting / Mounting:
Because L. crustacea naturally grows on trees, mounting helps mimic its natural habitat. The rhizome tends to spread horizontally and can become a visual focal point. Ensure the rhizome has good contact with the mounting, and keep the roots exposed to fresh air.

Fertilizing:
Feed lightly when growing actively—use a diluted balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season. Since in nature the rhizome may benefit from nutrients contributed by ants, providing occasional feeding can compensate in cultivation.

Notes & Tips:

• The striking rhizome texture is one of the main aesthetic features—ensure you don’t bury or obscure it too much when mounting/potting.

• Because the rhizome is somewhat succulent in form and stores water, avoid letting it dry out completely for long periods.

• Regularly inspect the rhizome for softness or rot—firm, healthy rhizome is key to the plant’s health.

• While the species in nature hosts ants, you do not need ants to cultivate it successfully. Cultivators report healthy growth without ant colonies.