Pteris Ensiformis Fern
Pteris Ensiformis Fern
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Description
This listing is a sword brake, or table, fern. Like other Ferns, they are sold in our Ferns collection. Most are true ferns, in families such as the polypody family (Polypodiaceae) or the spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae). A few listings, sold as asparagus ferns, are not true ferns at all; NC State Extension places those in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae).
What it is: This listing is a sword brake fern (Pteris ensiformis). NC State Extension lists this species in the Pteris, or table fern, group, with long, narrow, bipinnate fronds and sharp-pointed leaflets.
Light: Give it bright, indirect light; avoid harsh, direct sun, which can scorch the fronds (NC State Extension). A grow bulb helps in our dark winters. Use a moist, well-drained, organic-rich potting mix.
Watering & care: Keep the mix moist but well drained. Overwatering can cause yellow fronds and root rot; underwatering can make fronds dry and crispy (NC State Extension). Empty any saucer.
Humidity: They need moderate to high humidity (NC State Extension). A humidifier helps in our dry indoor winter air.
Temperature: NC State Extension lists the genus in USDA zones 9a to 12b, recommends about 12–26 °C (54–78 °F), and says to bring plants indoors before temperatures drop below about 12 °C (54 °F). Keep it off cold glass.
Winter indoors: In winter, keep it in your brightest frost-free window or under a grow bulb, and be careful not to overwater.
Expected indoor size: NC State Extension does not give a published height for Pteris ensiformis on the genus page used here. Size in this genus varies by species; Pteris cretica is listed at 18 to 24 inches. A potted plant is often kept compact.
Feeding: Feed lightly during the growing season with our Schultz All Purpose Plant Food, and ease off in winter.
Pets & pests: NC State Extension tags the Pteris genus as non-toxic for cats, dogs and horses. It is still a plant, not a snack. Watch for aphids, mealybugs, scale and Florida fern caterpillar (NC State Extension).
About your plant: Every plant is a little different. Size, fullness and leaf count vary from plant to plant and change with age and light, so we can't promise a particular frond length, fullness or colour. The options listed (4") refer to the pot or container size. They do not guarantee an exact frond length, fullness or colour. Photos show typical plants from our greenhouse, not the specific plant you will receive. The shared gallery image shows other Ferns as inspiration.
