Ctenitis squamigera Plant Care
Ctenitis squamigera (Hook. & Arn.) Copel.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ctenitis squamigera, commonly known as the Pacific lacefern or pauoa, is a critically endangered species of fern found only on the islands of Hawaii. In 2003 there were at least 183 individuals remaining, divided among 23 populations.
Every 4–7 days
Filtered light, avoid direct sun
60–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Ctenitis squamigera?
Water Ctenitis squamigera every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered light, avoid direct sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Ctenitis squamigera?
Ctenitis squamigera (Ctenitis squamigera) belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family within the Ctenitis genus.
Ctenitis squamigera displays a low rosette, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Ctenitis squamigera produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ctenitis squamigera?
Ctenitis squamigera requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Ctenitis squamigera Need?
Ctenitis squamigera thrives in filtered light, avoid direct sun.
Light Requirement
Filtered light, avoid direct sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ctenitis squamigera Prefer?
Ctenitis squamigera grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Ctenitis squamigera prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ctenitis squamigera?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Ctenitis squamigera to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ctenitis squamigera?
Feed Ctenitis squamigera every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Ctenitis squamigera?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Ctenitis squamigera?
Ctenitis squamigera can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ctenitis sloanei plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ctenitis squamigera Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ctenitis squamigera, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Ctenitis squamigera?
Ctenitis squamigera is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Ctenitis squamigera Need?
Ctenitis squamigera grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Ctenitis squamigera as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Ctenitis squamigera is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ctenitis genus — compare its care with other Ctenitis species on PlantoScan.
Ctenitis is part of the Dryopteridaceae plant family — browse all Dryopteridaceae genera and species.
Ctenitis squamigera thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ctenitis squamigera (Hook. & Arn.) Copel., family Dryopteridaceae (first published in Gen. Fil. [Copeland] 125. 1947) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ctenitis squamigera, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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