Decorative Foliage
Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light)
Average Watering Needs
Mature Height 24 Inches
Pet Safe

Silver Ribbon Fern has an unusual frond shape, which is pinnate and highly variegated with streaks of silver. Pteris cretica has many common names, such as Brake Fern, Cretan Fern, and the most descriptive, Albo-Lineata: albo for ‘white’ and lineata meaning ‘marked with a linear line’. This is one fern that looks like it is more delicate and fussy than it is. Beginners and intermediate Houseplant gardeners will want to add this showstopper to their collections.

Best Locations For Growing Silver Ribbon Fern

Silver Ribbon is a tropical fern that appreciates a spot in higher humidity, such as a kitchen or bathroom. It also has very brittle fronds that are easily broken, so it needs to be kept out of any high-traffic areas where it can get brushed up against. The smaller mature size makes this an excellent choice for dressing shelves or the top of a desk.

Silver Ribbon Fern Sunlight Requirements

Indirect to medium light is the proper range to keep this fern’s coloring vivid. Silver Ribbon will survive in very low light, but the silver coloring tends to turn mostly green over time. Place this fern across the room from a south-facing window or on an east- or west-exposure windowsill.

Silver Ribbon Fern Care

Ferns enjoy nutrient-rich soil that is also well draining. A soil-based indoor plant mix with added perlite or vermiculite will anchor the shallow roots and provide good aeration. Dividing Silver Ribbon Fern is easily done in the spring, just as the new growth begins. Cut the rhizome in half and repot both halves before the roots dry out. Keep Silver Ribbon out of drafts and away from heating vents. Average room temperatures of 60-75 degrees F are perfect.

Watering Silver Ribbon Fern

Ferns do not like to dry out in between waterings and prefer soil that stays damp like a wrung-out sponge at all times. Water this fern 1-2 times a week, depending on the humidity. Empty the saucer after watering; do not allow the pot to sit in the water longer than 20 minutes. If the pot is small enough, watering from the bottom is an excellent way to ensure the fern's soil is thoroughly saturated.

Feeding Silver Ribbon Fern

Feeding ferns is not a crucial part of maintenance, but Silver Ribbon Fern will develop better color and stronger fronds with regular feeding during the active growing season. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer formulated for general houseplants. Water it once a month at half the manufacturer's recommended strength from April to September. There is no need to fertilize in the winter.

Silver Ribbon 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: 18-24 inches

Mature Spread: 18-24 inches

Flowering: No

Flower Color(s): None

Flower Shade/Description: Grown for Foliage

Fragrant: No

Foliage Type:

Foliage Color(s): Green, White

Foliage Description: Grey-Green Fronds with Bold White Center Stripes

Temperature: 65° - 75°F (18° - 24°C)

Humidity: Above Average to High (60% - 100%)

Common Name: Silver Ribbon Fern

Other Name(s): Albo-Lineata, Silver Ribbon Fern, Cretan Brake Fern, Cretan Fern

Scientific Name: Pteris cretica 'Albolineata'

Plant Type: House Plant

SKU:: Fern_Albo-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.

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.

Silver Ribbon Fern