- Attractive Foliage Plant
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light)
- Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 12-24 Inches
- Pet Safe
Pteris cretica ‘Mayi’ Fern, also called Ribbon Fern, is a graceful, small, tropical fern displaying long fronds with two-tone leaves. A white-cream stripe runs down the center of the green leaflets, and the leaflet tips are crested. This is a lovely houseplant and also makes for a great terrarium plant.
Best Locations For Growing Mayi Fern
Mayi Fern likes a steady supply of humidity and warm temperatures; keep room temperatures between a comfortable 65 - 75 degrees F. They will show signs of stress when placed in dry environments. Avoid placing this plant near furnaces or forced heat sources. You can also set plants in trays filled with small rocks, and add water just below the pebble tops to avoid any root rot. Refill water often that is lost through evaporation. Protect this fern from chilly drafts.
Mayi Fern Sunlight Requirements
Mayi Fern appreciates medium to bright indirect light. Less shade may be needed in the winter due to the days being shorter. Avoid direct sunlight on this plant. Sunscald on the tops of the leaves or light green growth can be symptoms of too much light.
Mayi Fern Care
Plant Mayi Fern in loose, organic-rich potting soil, and keep the soil moist but not soggy with plenty of drainage holes in the pot. Remove brown or damaged fronds if necessary. Provide warm comfortable temperatures with ample humidity–frequent misting is encouraged.
Watering Mayi Fern
This fern requires consistent moisture to thrive; do not allow it to dry out between waterings. The potting mix should be well-draining with some added coconut coir–this will help keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding Mayi Fern
This is a relatively light feeder compared to other foliage plants. Mayi Fern can be fed in spring and summer with a water-soluble liquid fertilizer such as 20-10-20 or a fertilizer specifically made for ferns. Dilute the formula to half the strength recommended on the label.
Mayi Fern Information
Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light |
Care Requirements: Easy |
Watering Requirements: Average - Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out. |
Pet Friendly: Yes |
Kid Friendly: Yes |
Air Purifier: Moderate |
Habit: Clumping |
Growth Rate: Slow |
Mature Height: 12-24 inches |
Mature Spread: 12-24 inches |
Flowering: No |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Shade/Description: Grown for Foliage |
Fragrant: No |
Foliage Type: Variegated |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Variegated , Green |
Temperature: 65° - 75°F (18° - 24°C) |
Humidity: Above Average to High (60% - 100%) |
Common Name: Mayi Fern |
Other Name(s): Bird's Foot Fern, Ribbon Fern |
Scientific Name: Pteris cretica 'Mayi' |
Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- Fern_Mayi-HP
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.