Spider fern (Pteris multifida)
Care, watering, light and tips for Spider fern on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Pteridaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Shade
- Temperature: 10–28 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Spider fern
Pteris multifida, commonly known as Spider Brake, is a delicate and elegant fern, cherished for its finely divided fronds that give it an ethereal, feathery appearance. Its bright green leaves branch intricately, creating a light and airy texture. It's an excellent choice for terrariums, shade gardens, or as an indoor plant in hanging baskets, where its fronds can trail gracefully.
Native range
East Asia (China, Japan, Korea)
Care tips
This fern thrives in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun exposure, which can scorch its delicate fronds. It requires consistent watering to keep the substrate evenly moist, but never waterlogged, and appreciates high ambient humidity. Use a well-draining substrate rich in organic matter, such as a fern-specific mix. A common mistake is allowing the substrate to dry out completely, which can lead to dehydration and wilting of the fronds.
How to save a dying Spider fern
- Warning signs
- Pale, yellowing leaves or brown, crispy tips. Stunted growth.
- First aid
- Move to a humid spot with indirect light. Mist leaves with distilled water. Check soil: water if dry, ventilate if waterlogged.
- What kills it
- Dry air, direct sun, and lack of constant humidity. It cannot tolerate waterlogging or prolonged dry soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! If the rhizome is firm, it will recover. It needs high ambient humidity and moderate, consistent watering.