Fernleaf brakefern Plant Care
Pteris actiniopteroides Christ
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pteris actiniopteroides is a striking fern with intricately divided fronds that resemble delicate lace. Its vibrant golden-green color and graceful growth habit make it a standout addition to any indoor garden. Plant enthusiasts love this fern for its unique beauty and easy care requirements.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Fernleaf brakefern?
Water Fernleaf brakefern every 7–10 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 Fernleaf brakefern?
Fernleaf brakefern (Pteris actiniopteroides) belongs to the Pteridaceae family within the Pteris genus. Fernleaf brakefern is native to Asia, Australia, Africa. Fernleaf brakefern is also known as Golden lace fern.
Fernleaf brakefern displays a clumping, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Fernleaf brakefern produces non-flowering plant.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fernleaf brakefern?
Pteris actiniopteroides 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 Fernleaf brakefern Need?
Fernleaf brakefern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Fernleaf brakefern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fernleaf brakefern Prefer?
Pteris actiniopteroides grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Fernleaf brakefern 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 Fernleaf brakefern?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added organic matter like peat moss or compost. Good drainage is essential for Fernleaf brakefern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fernleaf brakefern?
Feed Fernleaf brakefern 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 Fernleaf brakefern?
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 Fernleaf brakefern?
Fernleaf brakefern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cheilanthes lydgatei plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fernleaf brakefern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fernleaf brakefern, 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 Fernleaf brakefern?
Fernleaf brakefern 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Fernleaf brakefern Need?
Fernleaf brakefern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Fernleaf brakefern is native to Asia, Australia, Africa. In cooler regions, grow Fernleaf brakefern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Fernleaf brakefern 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 Pteris genus — compare its care with other Pteris species on PlantoScan.
Pteris is part of the Pteridaceae plant family — browse all Pteridaceae genera and species.
Fernleaf brakefern thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Pteris Species
Other Pteris species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pteris actiniopteroides Christ, family Pteridaceae (first published in Bull. Herb. Boissier 7. 6 (1899)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fernleaf brakefern, 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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