Pteris ensiformis

Slender Brake Fern, Silver Lace Fern, Sword Brake Fern, Silver Table Fern, Variegated Brake Fern

Easy careTerrestrialNon-toxic30–70 cm

A delicate fern from tropical Asia and the Pacific, producing arching fronds made up of narrow, sword-shaped pinnae on pale upright stems. In the wild it grows on shaded forest floors and rocky hillsides — conditions that a closed terrarium replicates closely. Indoors it stays compact, typically 30–45 cm tall, making it a well-sized choice for medium terrariums. Consistent moisture and high humidity are what it needs most; let either slip and the papery frond tips will turn brown quickly.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Silver Lace Fern image

Care

Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 13–28 °C, and reaches 70 cm at maturity.

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerantBright indirect

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Medium (40–60%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
13°C – 28°C

Soil

Peat moss(preferred)Moisture retentiveSphagnum mix

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.6 – 6.5

Propagation

Lift the plant from its substrate and tease apart the rhizome into sections, each with at least one stem and a frond. Pot each section into fresh, moist substrate and maintain high humidity while it establishes — new growth should appear within a few weeks.

Native range

Native to China, Eastern Asia, Indian Subcontinent, Indo-China, Malesia, Papuasia, Australia, Southwestern Pacific, South-Central Pacific, and Northwestern Pacific.

Appearance

Growth habit

UprightClumping

Leaf shape

CompoundLance

Leaf texture

FeatherySmooth

Frequently asked

Can Slender Brake Fern grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Slender Brake Fern prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Slender Brake Fern need drainage?

Slender Brake Fern prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Slender Brake Fern need?

Slender Brake Fern does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Slender Brake Fern pet-safe?

Slender Brake Fern is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Slender Brake Fern grow?

Slender Brake Fern typically reaches 30–70 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Slender Brake Fern?

Slender Brake Fern can be propagated by division or spores.

References

  1. 1

    Kew Plants of the World Online — Pteris ensiformis

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17212520-1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

    bantam.earth — Silver Lace Fern Care Guide

    https://bantam.earth/silver-lace-fern-pteris-ensiformis/
  5. 5

    Gardeningbrain — Silver Lace Fern

    https://gardeningbrain.com/silver-lace-fern/
  6. 6
  7. 7

    NZ Plant Conservation Network — Pteris ensiformis

    https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/pteris-ensiformis/