Leptopteris superba Plant Care
Leptopteris superba (Colenso) C.Presl
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Leptopteris superba, commonly called Prince of Wales feathers or common crape fern, is a fern in the genus Leptopteris.
Every 5–7 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Leptopteris superba?
Water Leptopteris superba every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Leptopteris superba?
Leptopteris superba (Leptopteris superba) belongs to the Osmundaceae family within the Leptopteris genus.
Leptopteris superba displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Leptopteris superba produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Leptopteris superba?
Leptopteris superba requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Leptopteris superba Need?
Leptopteris superba thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Leptopteris superba in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Leptopteris superba Prefer?
Leptopteris superba grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Leptopteris superba 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 Leptopteris superba?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Leptopteris superba to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Leptopteris superba?
Feed Leptopteris superba 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 Leptopteris superba?
Repot every 1-2 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 Leptopteris superba?
Leptopteris superba can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to leptopteris fraseri plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Leptopteris superba Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Leptopteris superba, 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 Leptopteris superba?
Leptopteris superba 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 Leptopteris superba Need?
Leptopteris superba grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Leptopteris superba as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Leptopteris superba 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 Leptopteris genus — compare its care with other Leptopteris species on PlantoScan.
Leptopteris is part of the Osmundaceae plant family — browse all Osmundaceae genera and species.
Leptopteris superba 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: Leptopteris superba (Colenso) C.Presl, family Osmundaceae (first published in Abh. Böhm. Ges. Wiss. V. 5. 326. 1848; Hk. Ic. pl. (1848)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Leptopteris superba, 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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