Photo: Frank DietzeCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Snow fern Plant Care
Culcitium nivale Kunth
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its small, delicate white flowers that bloom amongst its lush green leaves. Originating from the high altitudes of the Andes mountains, Culcitium nivale is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rarity and unique beauty.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–70°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Snow fern?
Water Snow fern every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–70°F (10–21°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Snow fern?
Snow fern (Culcitium nivale) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Culcitium genus. Snow fern is native to Ecuador and Peru. Snow fern is also known as Arctic maidenhair.
Snow fern displays a low clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Snow fern produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Snow fern?
Culcitium nivale requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Snow fern Need?
Snow fern thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Snow fern Prefer?
Culcitium nivale grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Snow fern prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–70°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Snow fern?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Snow fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Snow fern?
Feed Snow fern every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Snow fern?
Repot every 2-3 years in early 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 Snow fern?
Snow fern can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes.
Is the Snow fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
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 Snow fern?
Snow fern is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.
Keep exploring plants
Snow fern 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 Culcitium genus — compare its care with other Culcitium species on PlantoScan.
Culcitium is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Snow fern 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: Culcitium nivale Kunth, family Asteraceae — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Snow fern is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Frank Dietze, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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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