About
A frost-tender, semi-evergreen fern up to 50cm tall. Upright to arching, triangular, variegated fronds have narrow leaflets with silvery-white centres and dark green margins.
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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Hanging basket, Houseplants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in any chalk-free, moist but well-drained soil with plenty of added leaf-mould. If growing indoors, water freely and feed once a month when in active growth. See how to grow tender ferns outdoors or how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice
PruningDead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
PropagationPropagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or division of rhizomes in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free outdoors but under glass may be susceptible to scale insects and eelworms
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Sooty mould