Pteris, Bird's Foot Fern, Cretan Brake, Table Fern 'Albolineata'

I just bought this little fern from Home Depot three weeks ago. It was not tagged correctly so I e-mailed the grower for information. H...Read Moree said the plant is Pteris 'Albo-lineata', or White-stripe Brake Fern. He also gave me a good deal of useful information about the plant, which I'm including below:

"It is a tropical fern. In Florida, it may be grown outdoors in the shade, as long as it is not exposed to frost. In most screened pool and porch areas, it should do OK, as long as it does not face due south where it will receive too much direct full sun.

This plant needs very little fertilizer. Also, this plant does not like dry soil. If indoors ... check it every week. Outside, once rooted into the new pot, it may require 2 watering / week.

The upper, narrow fronds are the fertile fronds. They will emerge, seasonally, and the bottom of the leaf will cover with brown spores. This is normal. Some people think these are bugs, but they are not. This is how the plant reproduces. If you do not like the look of the fertile fronds, you may cut them back carefully with a sharp knife as close to the soil line as possible.

If the plant looks yellow, try more feed. If the tips burn, then it has too much fertilizer. If the tops are bleached, it has too much sun.

Usually, it does not have any pests, but caterpillars may sometimes chew the fronds. They can be manually removed, if necessary."

Pteris cretica "Albo-lineata" and "Mayi" both have variagated fronds and look similar, except that "Mayi" has crested tips whereas "Albo-...Read Morelineata" does not.

Dark green and cream variegated with plain sharp fronds. Very fast growing. Upright habit, very striking. Height 18-24"

Beautiful tropical fern, suitable for indoor conditions as long as high humidity is maintained. Low moisture results in drooping fronds ...Read Morewhich soon die if not provided enough moisture.

Can be easily divided in spring. Warm temperatures needed for new frond production.