The fern occurs in wet mountain forests on volcanic slopes.

[3] This is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.

[4] The leaflets on the fronds are twisted at an angle to the rachis and the leaf edges are lined with unique hairs.

[5] Threats to the species include lava and gas from the volcanoes on which it grows, as well as the death of its host trees, introduced species including weeds and feral pigs, and geothermal development.

[3][5] On September 29, 2021, the pendant kihi fern was rediscovered on Kauai.