Ptisana salicina Plant Care
Ptisana salicina (Sm.) Murdock
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ptisana salicina, commonly known as para, tawhiti-para, king fern, or horseshoe fern, is a species of fern native to Norfolk Island, New Zealand and the South Pacific. It has fronds up to 5 metres long that arise from a starchy base that was a traditional food for the Maori.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Ptisana salicina?
Water Ptisana salicina every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Ptisana salicina Native To?
What Is the Ptisana salicina?
Ptisana salicina (Ptisana salicina) belongs to the Marattiaceae family within the Ptisana genus. Ptisana salicina is native to Norfolk Island, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Ptisana salicina displays a large, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Ptisana salicina produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Ptisana salicina?
Ptisana salicina 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 Ptisana salicina Need?
Ptisana salicina thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Ptisana salicina in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Ptisana salicina Prefer?
Ptisana salicina grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Ptisana salicina prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ptisana salicina?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Ptisana salicina to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ptisana salicina?
Feed Ptisana salicina 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 Ptisana salicina?
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 Ptisana salicina?
Ptisana salicina can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ptisana howeana plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Ptisana salicina Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ptisana salicina, 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 Ptisana salicina?
Ptisana salicina 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 Ptisana salicina Need?
Ptisana salicina grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Ptisana salicina is native to Norfolk Island, New Zealand and the South Pacific. In cooler regions, grow Ptisana salicina as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Ptisana salicina 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 Ptisana genus — compare its care with other Ptisana species on PlantoScan.
Ptisana is part of the Marattiaceae plant family — browse all Marattiaceae genera and species.
Ptisana salicina 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: Ptisana salicina (Sm.) Murdock, family Marattiaceae (first published in Taxon 57(3): 746 (2008)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ptisana salicina, 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 13b, 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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