There are so many lovely species and cultivars of sub-tropical Pteris, or Cliff Brake Ferns, and our collection of them have proven to be quite tough despite their preference for tropical conditions. Like many Pteris, this fern is dimorphic, meaning it will produce two types of fronds: vegetative fronds, responsible for collecting light to make energy, and fertile spore-bearing fronds that emerge later in the season and stand stiffly upright to broadcast spore. The vegetative fronds are shorter, slightly arching with rounded segments, while the fertile fronds are very upright and have long, finger-like segments and are quite tall. The vegetative fronds reach a size of 12”-16”, but the fertile fronds can stand up to 24” (2 ft) tall. Both types of fronds sport a handsome variegation, green at the margins and creamy white in the center. Great as a housplant or in mild climates where it can be sheltered from frost, prefers a warm, high humidity environment.

Cultivation Information:

Frond Condition: Evergreen to Deciduous, depending on conditions. Indoors or in mild climates it may be evergreen; semi-evergreen in more marginal conditions. When we overwinter them in minimally heated greenhouses they sometimes defoliate for a short time before re-emerging in the spring.

Mature Height: 12”-16” vegetative fronds; fertile fronds up to 24” (2 ft)

Root Type: Decentralized Rhizome, Colonizing

Origin: Tropical and Sub-Tropical SE Asia and the Pacific

Requirements: Part Sun to Part Shade, Lightly Moist to Evenly Moist, High Humidity, Frost Protect

USDA Zones: 9, 10, 11 or as a Houseplant (Frost Protect or keep protected and dry during winter months in marginal climates)