Silver lace fern Plant Care

Silver lace fern (Cyrtogonone argentea) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Cyrtogonone genus. Silver lace fern is native to tropical central Africa. Silver lace fern is also known as Silver netted fern.

Silver lace fern displays a tall, upright shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Silver lace fern produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Silver lace fern every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Silver lace fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Silver lace fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Cyrtogonone argentea tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Silver lace fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Silver lace fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Silver lace fern every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Silver lace fern is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Silver lace fern can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Silver lace fern while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Silver lace fern is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Silver lace fern can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering.

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Silver lace fern is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. 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.

Silver lace fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Silver lace fern is native to tropical central Africa. In cooler regions, grow Silver lace fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.