About

Pteris argyraea, the silver brake fern, is an elegant, evergreen or semi-evergreen fern producing graceful, arching, pinnate fronds to 60 cm or more with distinctive, bold, silvery-white bands along the centre of each leaflet. A beautiful and rewarding fern for a warm, shaded, humid greenhouse or conservatory.

About the genus

Pteris, the brake ferns, are mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen ferns with short or long rhizomes and pinnate to quadripinnate fronds, some with attractive, pale markings or crested tips. Grown in shaded, moist, warm positions.

Plant details

Suggested usesShade gardens, woodland, containers.

Care notes

CultivationPlant in moist, humus-rich soil in shade.
PruningRemove old fronds in spring.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant.