Ecuadorian lace fern Plant Care

Ecuadorian lace fern (Tectaria aequatoriensis) belongs to the Tectariaceae family within the Tectaria genus. Ecuadorian lace fern is native to Ecuador.

Ecuadorian lace fern displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Ecuadorian lace fern produces non-flowering.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ecuadorian 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.

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

Tectaria aequatoriensis tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Ecuadorian lace fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Ecuadorian lace fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Ecuadorian 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 to low light and moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ecuadorian lace fern is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Ecuadorian lace fern can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 Ecuadorian 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.

Ecuadorian lace fern is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Ecuadorian lace fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tectaria estremerana plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Ecuadorian lace fern 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.

Ecuadorian lace fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Ecuadorian lace fern is native to Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Ecuadorian lace fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.