Slender Brake Fern

Slender Brake Fern (Pteris ensiformis) is a delicate, variegated fern that grows to about 50cm high and 30cm wide. Its fernlets are finer and more elongated than those of the Cretan brake fern, running from slim and lacy to very long, and they are patterned with white detail that shifts with the light. It is a small fern for pots, terrariums and shaded layers beneath taller plants.

Why you'll love it

• Fine, lacy foliage. Slender fernlets give a light, airy texture that contrasts well with broad leaved shade plants.
• White patterning. The variegation changes with light level, age and the individual plant, and the shift from slim to very elongated fernlets is natural, so each fern has its own character.
• Small and manageable. At up to 50cm by 30cm it fits a pot, a courtyard corner or a narrow border.
• Gentle on cool conditions. It copes with cool conditions down to about 4C, though it is still frost tender and needs cover when frost threatens.
• Works in terrariums. Its size and fine fronds suit terrariums and indoor gardens, where it adds delicate texture.

Where it works best

Tropical garden borders. Use it as a border or understorey in tropical and subtropical gardens, where warmth and humidity suit it. Plant 30cm apart to make a continuous, lacy edge.

Layered underplanting. Tuck it beneath taller shrubs and trees, where it adds depth in the ground layer.

Containers and indoors. A pot in bright, indirect light suits it, and it is easy to move under cover when the weather turns.

Growing Slender Brake Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Shade or dappled light, in a warm, humid position. It is suited to tropical and subtropical gardens and tolerates cool conditions down to about 4C, but it is frost tender. In frosty districts, grow it in a pot and keep it indoors or under cover in winter.

Soil. Plant carefully so the crown sits above the soil line, in a well drained mix. Wet feet cause rot, so make sure water does not pool around the roots.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, and keep it moist during dry periods. Ferns thrive in humid conditions. Use a slow release fertiliser in spring, and a liquid based fertiliser every 4 weeks in warmer months, diluted to half strength to avoid burn.

Pruning. Remove old fronds to keep the plant looking fresh and to avoid disease. Re-pot container plants only when they outgrow their pots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Slender Brake Fern as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant with a handful of fine fronds, and it fills out as it settles into humid shade. Unpack promptly, keep it out of direct sun and water it in. The white patterning changes with light level, age and the individual plant, so expect some natural variation.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Palms, ferns and tropical plants
• Low light indoor plants
• How ferns thrive in Australian gardens
• Plants for tropical climates

Common questions

How cold can it go?

It is suited to cool conditions down to about 4C. It is frost tender, so protect it from frost, and grow it in a pot that can move under cover if your winters are cold.

What is the difference from the Cretan brake fern?

The fernlets are more slender, running from slim and lacy to very elongated, and the plant is smaller at up to 50cm high. Both are variegated and both enjoy humid shade.

Can I grow it in a terrarium?

Yes. Its small size and fine fronds suit terrariums and indoor gardens, provided it has bright, indirect light and the mix stays moist but never waterlogged.