Pteris cretica var. albolineata
silver lace fern
Thin vertical black stems hold pops of grey green variegated leaves. Makes a clump over time. Adds a firework-show to bright and dim areas alike.
|
height |
18–24in |
|
width |
12–20in |
|
tolerates |
Cool Summers, Fog, Moist Soil, Pots |
|
water needs |
Moderate – High |
|
water info |
This plant likes to stay evenly moist or just dry out in the surface. When you touch the soil surface and it’s no longer squishy and soggy, but feels like a well-wrung sponge, or it’s just dried out, it’s time to water. This plant could be watered several times a week, or less if you leave the plant standing in an inch of standing water each watering cycle. Remember that a smaller pot will dry out faster, so for a tiny 4-inch pot, you might need to water daily. |
|
hardy to |
23F |
|
exposure |
Full Shade – Part Sun |
|
indoor outdoor |
In or Out |
|
drainage |
In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil |
|
origin |
old world |
|
california native |
No |
|
sunset zones |
14–24, H2 |
SUNSET ZONES MAP
Growing Notes
This fern appreciates a humid room, so if you are seeing brown tipping and know your fern isn’t drying out you can try to move it near a kitchen or bathroom sink.
More Info
This plant has been raised to live indoors; however, it can also grow outdoors in mild areas of California. Keep in mind that the plant will go through a stressful transition, especially if moved outside in particularly hot, cold, or wet weather. Even if this plant will eventually thrive in direct sunlight, it has not been grown in this level of light, so if you plant it in direct sun, just expect that the leaves may burn at first, then happily regrow as they acclimate to the new levels of light. Planting in the spring or fall will help with this transition.