Cyrtomium falcatum, Japanese Holly Fern, is native to Eastern Asia where it grows in woodlands, forests, stream banks, rocky slopes and the crevices in cliffs. It has become naturalised throughout the Pacific and the USA. Hardy in most regions of the UK, it is also used as an indoor fern because of its ability to tolerate dry air. Nonetheless, it will always do best in a moist shady aspect with plenty of humus and leaf-mold for its roots.

Although not a rare fern, Cyrtomium falcatum is not that often encountered in UK collections.The stiff erect fronds are highly decorative and the individual pinnae - somewhat wider and less pointed than those of Cyrtomium fortunei - are extremely attractive.