Complete guide to silver ribbon fern care

The pteris cretica 'Albolineata' is a popular indoor plant also known as the silver ribbon fern, or Angus. Its unruly lush green fronds and distinctive white stripes explode out in all directions, with long stems sprouting from the top of the plant. Caring for this fern is pretty easy, and with a few simple steps, you can make sure your pteris cretica 'Albolineata' thrives in your home. Your silver ribbon fern will be happy if you:

• Keep its soil lightly moist. Check the soil every few days to see if it needs a top up
• Pop it in a bright spot, where it can soak up indirect light
• Give it plenty of humidity to keep its leaves fresh and perky

Pteris ferns are an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of low-maintenance colour to their home. For those who are a bit rusty on their Greek translations, ‘Pteris’ not only means fern, but can also refer to ‘feathery’ just like the beautiful variegated feather-like leaves of a silver ribbon fern. In the wild, these ferns can grow up to 2ft tall - but don’t worry, your houseplant won’t get quite that big.

A pteris cretica 'Albolineata' thrives in bright, indirect light. Be careful where you put yours, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to turn brown. It’s best to pop your pteris cretica 'Albolineata' in a spot that receives bright, filtered light. If you notice that the leaves are turning yellow, it may be a sign that the plant isn’t getting enough light, so move it a little closer to the window. You’ll soon find the right spot, but if you’re unsure you can learn about light here.

Like most ferns, your pteris cretica 'Albolineata' prefers to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Try to keep the top inch of soil damp at all times, but make sure that the plant isn’t sitting in standing water, which can cause root rot. When you water your plant, take it out of the decorative pot and let the water drain through fully. Watering once a week is usually plenty, but you can change the frequency of watering depending on the temperature and humidity of your home.

A pteris cretica 'Albolineata' loves a humid environment, so make sure you’re giving it plenty of humidity. You can up the humidity levels in your home by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier. Regularly misting the leaves with a spray bottle will also help to increase humidity levels. Or, you can be less hands on and simply pop your plant in a steamy bathroom for an easy spa session.

Your pteris cretica 'Albolineata' will prefer temperatures between 16°C to 24°C, so if you’re feeling comfortable, your fern friend will be too. Avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature changes if you can, it won’t enjoy cold draughts or a spot near a hot radiator.

The soil your pteris cretica 'Albolineata' arrives in will be just fine, but when you decide to repot it’s important to choose the right mix. This fern prefers well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. You can use a standard houseplant potting mix, just make sure that the soil is loose and well-aerated, as compacted soil can lead to root rot.

You don’t need to worry too much about feeding your pteris cretica 'Albolineata'. A diluted slow-release fertiliser given once every three months during the growing season (spring and summer) is usually plenty. Follow the instructions on the plant food packaging and avoid over-fertilising, as this can cause damage to the plant.

A pteris cretica 'Albolineata' doesn’t need frequent pruning, but you can trim off any yellow or brown leaves or fronds to keep the plant looking good. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the plant.

Caring for a pteris cretica 'Albolineata' is pretty simple, and with a little bit of attention, you can help your fern thrive in your home.