The silver lace fern – Pteris Quadriaurita [TARE-iss, Kwad-ree-AWR-ry-tuh] is an attractive, small fern growing triangular, slender, arched, or upright green fronds which have silvery-white variegations in the center.
This fern is well-known as an ornamental fern and grows in a clump formation.
This plant is native to Southeast Asia and China, as well as other subtropical and tropical regions in the world, and belongs to the family of Pteridaceae.
The leaves of the majority of the Pteris fern family like are compound and include linear sori.
In these species, the outer layer of the leaves is a single-layered epidermis but doesn’t include stomata. Its cortex is divided into inner and outer cortical regions.
It is mostly used as a houseplant or in subtropical and tropical climates.
Silver Lace Fern Care
Silver Brake Fern Size & Growth
Pteris Silver lace ferns versatile, easy to grow plants with lush foliage. The leaves can grow up to 4” inches long and 2” inches wide.
The growth of this plant and color of its leaves is largely dependent on different factors including temperature, sunlight, and type of soil.
This plant flourishes in fairy gardens or terrariums, which have pebbles at the base to enhance humidity.
If the Silver brake fern gets too large for its container, give it a trim or pinch off the larger fronds.
It can spread easily by sending off rhizomes which start budding and forming new ferns.
Flowering and Fragrance
Ferns do not produce flowers they have spore producing plant parts.
Light Conditions & Temperature
Silver lace prefers filtered, bright light all through the summer season, as they grow actively during these months. Keep this fern out of direct sunlight.
Silver brake fern needs plenty of light during the winter season.
It can handle temperatures between 60° – 75°degrees Fahrenheit (15° – 24° C) but not 55° degrees Fahrenheit (13° C) or lower.
Silver Brake Fern Watering and Feeding
Silver brake fern is not very demanding when it comes to watering. However, they still want sufficient humidity, just like other ferns.
Water this plant regularly during spring and summer so the soil stays moist.
Make sure you don’t leave the soil soaked. Mist this plant every day during winter.
Keep in mind, Pteris Quadriaurita has tiny roots, which means it can easily take the majority of nutrients and water from the top layer of the soil and also store some in the rhizomes.
Right from the start of the spring season till fall ends, utilize a liquid feed every three weeks.
Make sure you feed it regularly during its growing period.
Soil Conditions & Transplanting
Pteris Quadriaurita prefers fast-draining peat-based potting soil.
This plant is fast-growing, and it is essential to repot it every year in spring.
When repotting, divide the plant and clean off all the old dirt, especially from the roots.
Use fresh soil to repot the plant.
Make sure it gets plenty of moisture and warmth till it starts to grow.
Grooming and Maintenance
For best results, give this plant a sufficient amount of filtered, bright light and humidity and watch it thrive!
Pteris Quadriaurita can start showing stress signs in highly dry environments.
This means the leaves may start dropping or develop brown margins, and the fronds may start shriveling.
Avoid water logging the plant.
If the plant stays in soggy or saturated soil, its roots will begin rotting.
Don’t place this plant in areas where animals or people might constantly brush against them as its leaves are brittle.
If you notice the fronds become pale and limp, it is probably because of insufficient food.
Make sure you regularly feed the plant all through summer and repot it during spring in a bigger pot, especially if the compost has become congested with roots.
How To Propagate Silver-lace Fern
Propagate silver brake fern by utilizing spores.
However, it is rather easy to divide the root ball or rhizome while repotting.
Divide the rhizome into 2” inch sections, making sure to add in one stem with a frond.
Place the rhizome in moist soil by pinning it with toothpicks or wires.
The best time to propagate is during the spring season.
Silver-lace Fern Pest or Disease Problems
This plant is vulnerable to whitefly, plant scale, mealy bugs, and aphids.
Keep a constant watch on them as identifying the infestation in the early stages can help treat this plant effectively without using many toxic options.
Suggested Uses for Silver Pteris Ferns
This plant looks great in small urban gardens with limited space to showcase its elegant cascading stems.
Use them as decorative pieces on the balcony or porch by planting them in containers.
Pteris Quadriaurita is typically utilized as a table fern or in small nooks in landscaping or dish gardens.