About

A clump-forming, evergreen fern with long, slender, ruffled and variegated green foliage with a silvery-white central band. Makes an ideal houseplant or conservatory plant.

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

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Ferns, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesHanging basket, Houseplants

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). See 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