Lastreopsis silvestris Plant Care
Lastreopsis silvestris D.A.Sm. ex Tindale
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lastreopsis silvestris, known as the mountain shield fern, is a rare plant found in eastern Australia. The habitat is high altitude rainforest on the McPherson Range, on the border of the states of New South Wales and Queensland.
Every 3–5 days
Filtered light or partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Lastreopsis silvestris?
Water Lastreopsis silvestris every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered light or partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Lastreopsis silvestris Native To?
What Is the Lastreopsis silvestris?
Lastreopsis silvestris (Lastreopsis silvestris) belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family within the Lastreopsis genus. Lastreopsis silvestris is native to eastern Australia.
Lastreopsis silvestris displays a clumping fern growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Lastreopsis silvestris produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lastreopsis silvestris?
Lastreopsis silvestris requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Lastreopsis silvestris Need?
Lastreopsis silvestris thrives in filtered light or partial shade. Avoid placing Lastreopsis silvestris in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered light or partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lastreopsis silvestris Prefer?
Lastreopsis silvestris grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Lastreopsis silvestris prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lastreopsis silvestris?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Lastreopsis silvestris to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lastreopsis silvestris?
Feed Lastreopsis silvestris 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 Lastreopsis silvestris?
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 Lastreopsis silvestris?
Lastreopsis silvestris can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lastreopsis marginans plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Lastreopsis silvestris Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lastreopsis silvestris, 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 Lastreopsis silvestris?
Lastreopsis silvestris is susceptible to spider mites, 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Lastreopsis silvestris Need?
Lastreopsis silvestris grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Lastreopsis silvestris is native to eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Lastreopsis silvestris as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Lastreopsis silvestris 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 Lastreopsis genus — compare its care with other Lastreopsis species on PlantoScan.
Lastreopsis is part of the Dryopteridaceae plant family — browse all Dryopteridaceae genera and species.
Lastreopsis silvestris produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lastreopsis silvestris D.A.Sm. ex Tindale, family Dryopteridaceae (first published in Bull. Jard. Bot. État Bruxelles 27: 199. 1957) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lastreopsis silvestris, 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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