Thelypteris subtilis Plant Care
Thelypteris subtilis A.R.Sm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Amauropelta subtilis, synonym Thelypteris subtilis, is a species of fern in the family Thelypteridaceae. It is endemic to Ecuador.
Every 3–5 days
Filtered light, partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Thelypteris subtilis?
Water Thelypteris subtilis every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered light, 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.
What Is the Thelypteris subtilis?
Thelypteris subtilis (Thelypteris subtilis) belongs to the Thelypteridaceae family within the Thelypteris genus. Thelypteris subtilis is native to the Andean forest.
Thelypteris subtilis displays a fern with spreading rhizomes growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Thelypteris subtilis produces non-flowering fern.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Thelypteris subtilis?
Thelypteris subtilis 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 Thelypteris subtilis Need?
Thelypteris subtilis thrives in filtered light, partial shade. Avoid placing Thelypteris subtilis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered light, partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Thelypteris subtilis Prefer?
Thelypteris subtilis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Thelypteris subtilis 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 Thelypteris subtilis?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Thelypteris subtilis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Thelypteris subtilis?
Feed Thelypteris subtilis 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 Thelypteris subtilis?
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 Thelypteris subtilis?
Thelypteris subtilis can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to prickly shield fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Thelypteris subtilis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Thelypteris subtilis, 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 Thelypteris subtilis?
Thelypteris subtilis is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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 Thelypteris subtilis Need?
Thelypteris subtilis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Thelypteris subtilis is native to the Andean forest. In cooler regions, grow Thelypteris subtilis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Thelypteris subtilis 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 Thelypteris genus — compare its care with other Thelypteris species on PlantoScan.
Thelypteris is part of the Thelypteridaceae plant family — browse all Thelypteridaceae genera and species.
Thelypteris subtilis produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
More Thelypteris Species
Other Thelypteris species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Thelypteris subtilis A.R.Sm., family Thelypteridaceae (first published in Fl. Ecuador 18: 80, fig. 1984) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Thelypteris subtilis, 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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