Pteris aspericaulis var. tricolor

Scientific name

Pteris aspericaulis var. tricolor

General description

Pteris aspericaulis var. tricolor is a highly decorative ornamental fern whose emerging fronds display bronze-red or coppery hues, evolving into medium to dark green with stems and veins often tinged with purple. The tricolor foliage (red, green, cream) gives it a vibrant elegance that catches the eye in a well-lit interior.

Origin

Native to eastern Asia, particularly tropical and subtropical regions where the species grows in humid, shaded environments.

Care

• Light : Bright to filtered indirect light; avoid strong direct sun which burns the fronds.
• Watering : Keep the substrate constantly slightly moist, without leaving any stagnant water.
• Humidity : High, between approximately 70-80%; misting or humidifier recommended in drier environments.
• Temperature : Moderate, between about 18 and 24-26°C ideally; avoid temperatures below ~15°C.
• Substrate : a mixture rich in organic matter, light and well-draining, with good moisture retention but without suffocating the roots.

Special advice

• Regularly remove faded or damaged fronds to encourage the growth of new fronds and maintain a beautiful appearance.
• Spray the foliage gently if the air is too dry to prevent it from turning brown at the tips.
• Avoid cold drafts or exposure too close to an uninsulated window during winter.
• Drain the pot well; choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent rot.