Fern, Silver Lace; Pteris ensiformis

Fern, Silver Lace; Pteris ensiformis

Silver Lace Fern aka Slender Brake Fern, Variegated Brake Fern. The most noticeable feature on this fern is its multicolored arrangement of fronds. The fronds are variegated and have an attractive, creamy white color and grows in clusters of flat, oval-shaped leaves The tropical climate this fern is comfortable with, paired with low care maintenance – makes it an excellent vivarium plant or terrarium plant to have in a collection.

The native habitat of Silver lace fern is usually a damp, humid tropical or subtropical like environment. This plant’s origin is found in Southeast Asia, China, and parts of Polynesia. USDA hardiness zones 9-11 for year-round outdoor plantings of Silver Lace Fern. Requires warm, humid air for best growth. Can easily be grown indoors, as houseplant, if soil is consistently moist.This plant can grow quite big if left unpruned, reaching heights as high as 18 inches and widths as wide as 16 inches.

Growing Silver Lace Fern

The ideal substrate for a brake fern should consist of a fluffy, damp acidic mix of soil. Prefers slightly alkaline soil. The best depth of soil should be deep enough to bury the base of the fern up to its rhizome, leaving the top of the crown exposed. For ferns in containers, choose a pot with a hole in the bottom for drainage. Excessive fertilization can lead to brown, wilted fronds. Do not fertilize from October to March.

Water the silver lace fern whenever the soil surface starts to feel dry. Although the soil should never become bone dry, consistently wet or water logged soil may lead to root rot and other diseases. Keep the soil for outdoor ferns moist but not sopping wet.

The natural habitat of silver lace fern is a bright tropical environment with plenty of shade provided by a canopy of taller trees. Like many ferns, this plant does not do well exposed to direct sunlight.

Ferns are interesting plants and can be grown in a variety of ways. One method is to grow them in soil in a pot or garden. Another way to grow them is to hang them in a basket. Ferns also can be grown on a windowsill.