About
A versatile, fast-growing, clump-forming, evergreen fern with vivid green, slightly cupped, dissected, lace-like foliage. An ideal fern for groundcover in damp soil or shade. May be used as a houseplant and also grown in containers outdoors, if kept well-watered and in a shady location. Hardy in milder parts of the UK, but may need protection from frost.
About the genus
Pteris can be evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous ferns, with short or long rhizomes and fronds that may be pinnate to 4-pinnate
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeFerns, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Houseplants, Patio and container plants
Native toTurkey, Middle East, Africa
Care notes
CultivationIndoors, grow in moist but well-drained compost in a humid location in bright, filtered light. Water regularly to keep soil moist but avoid waterlogging. Repot in spring if showing signs of outgrowing their pot. Feed monthly during the growing sesason (Apr-Sept). Outdoors, grow in moist soil in part or full shade. If growing in containers, ensure that they are kept moist. Protect from frost. See how to grow ferns or how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice
PruningNo pruning required. Remove dead fronds as required
PropagationPropagate by spores or division of rhizomes or rootball in spring or when re-potting. Include healthy fronds or leaf buds when dividing
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spot, bacterial wilt and a virus