Pteris straminea – Silver Brake Fern

With its finely divided fronds and elegant, upright habit, Pteris straminea brings a delicate, woodland feel to indoor spaces. The slender leaflets are often tinged with silver or pale green, giving it a light, airy appearance. It’s less fussy than many ferns and makes a graceful addition to bright bathrooms, shaded shelves, or grouped plant displays.

Scientific Name
Pteris straminea (from Greek pteris, meaning “fern”, and Latin straminea, meaning “straw-coloured” – a reference to the pale hue of its fronds)

The Pteris genus is large and widely distributed, with over 250 recognised species. Pteris straminea was named for its subtle colouration and belongs to the Pteridaceae family. It’s sometimes confused with Pteris ensiformis, but is generally taller and more open in structure.

Common Name(s)
Silver Brake Fern, Straw Fern, Brake Fern

Origin
Native to Central and South America – often found in shaded forest understories

Light
Prefers bright, indirect light. Will tolerate some lower light, but frond colour and vigour are best with good filtered brightness. Avoid direct sun.

Water
Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Water when the top 1–2cm feels dry, and reduce watering slightly in winter. Sensitive to hard water – use rainwater or filtered if possible.

Humidity
Loves high humidity. Mist regularly or place near a humidifier or on a pebble tray. Great for bathrooms or enclosed spaces with consistent moisture.

Soil
Prefers a loose, peat-free potting mix with added bark or perlite for airflow. Fern-specific mixes are ideal. Repot every 1–2 years to refresh soil and prevent compaction.

Food
Feed every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer with a half-strength balanced liquid feed. Do not overfeed – ferns are light feeders.

Temp
Thrives between 16–24°C. Avoid cold draughts and temperatures below 12°C.

Pet-safe
Generally considered non-toxic – safe for pets and children.

Sprouts Top Tips
Remove any yellowing fronds promptly to encourage new growth and improve airflow around the base. Regular misting helps prevent crispy tips.

Extras
Unlike many ferns, Pteris straminea is relatively upright and doesn’t sprawl – making it great for narrow spaces or taller pots.

Did You Know?
The term “brake” in its common name is an old English word for fern – you’ll see it used in many Pteris species names.