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Candy Stripe Fern 'Pteris aspericaulis'

Candy Stripe Fern 'Pteris aspericaulis'

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About This Plant

Candy Stripe Fern (Pteris aspericaulis) is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, where it grows as ground cover in shaded forest floors and rocky areas. It grows in a compact, upright, spreading habit reaching 30 to 45 cm tall and wide. Handles lower light and slightly drier indoor conditions better than tropical ferns like the Boston Fern.

The silver stripe down each leaflet is what sets it apart. While most ferns are uniformly green, the Candy Stripe Fern has a fine silver-white midrib stripe on every leaflet that catches the light and gives the whole frond a shimmering, two-tone character.

Safe for cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Pteris (brake fern) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. The Candy Stripe Fern is confirmed pet-safe and can be placed at any height without concern for curious pets. The Birds Nest Fern is another confirmed pet-safe fern with a very different broad-frond look.

It handles lower light and drier air better than most ferns. Pteris ferns are noted for being more adaptable to typical indoor conditions than tropical ferns. The Candy Stripe Fern tolerates medium to lower light and average indoor humidity better than Boston Ferns or Maidenhair Ferns, making it one of the more practical striped ferns.

Winter Slowdown

Growth slows from November onward but the plant stays green and holds its fronds better than most ferns through Canadian winter. The silver stripe stays visible as long as the plant is receiving adequate indirect light.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Pteris spp. listed as non-toxic). Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pests

Scale insects are the most common pest, appearing as small brown bumps on the undersides of fronds or along the central stem. The silver stripe areas on each leaflet can make scale easier to spot against the pale background.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Blue Star Fern. Distinctive colour, dry-air tolerant.

For another distinctively coloured pet-safe fern that handles drier Canadian indoor air well, the Blue Star Fern has wide blue-green fronds and is one of the more forgiving ferns for Canadian winters.

Birds Nest Fern. Low-maintenance and pet-safe.

For another pet-safe fern that handles lower light and average humidity in Canadian homes, the Birds Nest Fern has broad wavy fronds in a rosette and is one of the most practical ferns for Canadian apartments.

Austral Gem Fern. Glossy and tough.

For a compact pet-safe fern with thick glossy fronds that handles dry Canadian indoor air better than most, the Austral Gem Fern is one of the most low-maintenance ferns available.

Common Questions

How often should I water the Candy Stripe Fern?

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry, every five to seven days in spring and summer and every seven to ten days in a Canadian winter. Do not let the soil dry out completely as the fronds brown quickly under drought stress. Our indoor plant watering guide shows how to check moisture correctly.

What light does it need in a Canadian home?

Medium to low indirect light works best. A north- or east-facing window is ideal. It handles lower light better than most tropical ferns. The silver stripes stay most vivid in medium indirect light. Direct sun bleaches the silver and scorches the fronds. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants to find the right spot.

Is the Candy Stripe Fern safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA lists Pteris (brake fern) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. The Candy Stripe Fern is confirmed pet-safe for homes with pets and small children.

Why is the silver stripe fading?

Fading silver stripes usually mean the plant is getting too much or too little light. Direct sun bleaches the stripe to near-white and can scorch it. Very low light causes the stripe to lose contrast and look dull. Medium indirect light from a north- or east-facing window keeps the stripe at its best contrast.

Will it survive a Canadian winter indoors?

Yes and it does so better than most tropical ferns. Keep soil moist, maintain temperatures above 15°C, and keep it in indirect light away from heating vents. It handles average indoor humidity without a humidifier, though a pebble tray helps in very dry Canadian heating conditions. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more.

Good to Know

Sun: Indirect

Medium to low indirect light is ideal. A north- or east-facing window works well in a Canadian home. The silver stripe is most vivid in medium indirect light. Direct sun bleaches the stripe and scorches the fronds.

Light: Medium to low indirect

One of the more light-adaptable ferns for Canadian homes. A north-facing window works year-round. From October to February when Canadian daylight shortens, keep it in the brightest indirect spot available without direct sun exposure.

Water: Keep soil consistently moist

Water when the top inch of soil is slightly dry. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Every five to seven days in spring and summer, every seven to ten days in a Canadian winter. Do not let the soil dry out completely.

Humidity: Moderate

More tolerant of average indoor humidity than tropical ferns. It still benefits from moderate humidity and may develop brown frond tips in very dry air from forced-air heating in Ontario and Quebec homes. A pebble tray nearby helps in winter without needing a full humidifier.

Pet Friendly: Yes

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Pteris spp. non-toxic). Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pro Tip

Scale insects on Pteris ferns are the most common pest issue and are slow to show visible damage until the infestation is well established. Run your finger along the underside of a few fronds every time you water. Catching scale early prevents permanent frond damage.


What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

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Plant care essentials

Everything you need to keep this plant thriving.

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