Pteridaceae
Silver Lace Fern: Pet-Safe Plant
Pteris ensiformis
Requires constantly moist soil, high relative humidity, and indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight and locations with dry drafts.
Every 3 days
Partial shade
15° - 28°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Silver Lace Fern?
Silver Lace Fern (Pteris ensiformis) is a medium-care plant from the Pteridaceae family. Pteris ensiformis, popularly known as the Silver Lace Fern, is a compact and highly decorative terrestrial fern species. Its fronds are bipinnate and feature a characteristic color variegation, with a silvery or creamy-white center contrasting against dark green edges. As an understory plant, it is...
Silver Lace Fern grows up to 50cm, spread of 40cm, watering every 3 days, 15°C â 28°C, 60â90% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Silver Lace Fern is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 7 days.
How to Care for Silver Lace Fern?
TLDR: Silver Lace Fern needs Partial shade, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between 15-28°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Silver Lace Fern?
Never allow the soil to dry out completely. Water as soon as the soil surface loses its moist sheen.
How Much Light Does Silver Lace Fern Need?
Keep in a location with bright indirect light. Direct midday sun can easily burn its delicate fronds.
What Is the Best Soil for Silver Lace Fern?
Use a mix of peat moss, coconut coir, and perlite to ensure moisture retention and good aeration.
What Pot Should You Use for Silver Lace Fern?
Plastic or glazed ceramic pots are ideal for maintaining substrate moisture for longer periods.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 2 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Silver Lace Fern and Where Does It Come From?
Pteris ensiformis, popularly known as the Silver Lace Fern, is a compact and highly decorative terrestrial fern species. Its fronds are bipinnate and feature a characteristic color variegation, with a silvery or creamy-white center contrasting against dark green edges. As an understory plant, it is perfect for indoor environments that simulate the humidity and filtered light of tropical forests.
How to Propagate Silver Lace Fern?
Division
- Keep the new divisions in a shadier and very humid spot until you notice new growth.
- 1 Removal
Carefully remove the plant from the pot, preserving as many roots as possible.
- 2 Rhizome Division
Separate the rhizome into two or more parts using your hands or a sterilized knife, ensuring each part has fronds and roots.
- 3 Repotting
Plant each division in a new pot with substrate rich in organic matter and water immediately.
Materials needed:
Spore Propagation
- Do not open the container until small green prothalli appear on the surface.
- 1 Collection
Collect mature spores (brown spots) from the underside of the fronds onto a clean piece of paper.
- 2 Sowing
Spread the spores over a layer of moist, sterilized soil in a transparent container.
- 3 Incubation
Seal the container to maintain 100% humidity and place it in a bright spot without direct sunlight.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Silver Lace Fern Grow?
TLDR: Silver Lace Fern can reach up to 50cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
50cm
Spread
40cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Air Purifying
Improves air quality
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Associated with lightness, purity, and the ability to adapt to shaded environments.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â ïļ |
| Wild Lettuce | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | â ïļ |
| Cape Primrose | Medium | Partial shade | 7d | â |
| Honey Locust | Medium | Direct sun | 14d | â |
