Shoestring Fern Plant Care
Vittaria lineata (L.) Sm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Vittaria lineata, also known by its common name shoestring fern is a species of fern from the genus Vittaria. It grows epiphytically in wet, new-world tropics and subtropics as far north as Florida.
Every 3–5 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Shoestring Fern?
Water Shoestring Fern every 3–5 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 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Shoestring Fern?
Shoestring Fern (Vittaria lineata) belongs to the Pteridaceae family within the Vittaria genus. Shoestring Fern is also known as Black Scalewort.
Shoestring Fern displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Shoestring Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Shoestring Fern?
Vittaria lineata 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 Shoestring Fern Need?
Shoestring Fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Shoestring Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Shoestring Fern Prefer?
Vittaria lineata grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Shoestring Fern prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Shoestring Fern?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Shoestring Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Shoestring Fern?
Feed Shoestring Fern every 8 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 8 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 Shoestring Fern?
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 Shoestring Fern?
Shoestring Fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to appalachian shoestring fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Shoestring Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Shoestring Fern, 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 Shoestring Fern?
Shoestring 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Shoestring Fern Need?
Shoestring Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Shoestring Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Shoestring Fern 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 Vittaria genus — compare its care with other Vittaria species on PlantoScan.
Vittaria is part of the Pteridaceae plant family — browse all Pteridaceae genera and species.
Shoestring Fern 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: Vittaria lineata (L.) Sm., family Pteridaceae (first published in Mém. Acad. Roy. Sci. (Turin) 5. 421 t. 9 f. 5. 1793. HB. 3 (1793)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Shoestring Fern, 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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