Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Table Fern

Pteris Species

Design with this plant

Overview

The Table Fern (Pteris spp.) is a versatile fern genus suitable for shaded garden areas or as a houseplant. Ranging from 6 inches to 3 feet in height, its delicate fronds bring graceful texture, favoring moist, well-draining soil with dappled light. Hardy in USDA zones 9–11, it's low-maintenance but does require consistent moisture. The feathery, arching leaves vary from bright green to variegated, making it a visually soothing addition.

Sun Half, ShadeWater MediumZones 5–9Type Fern
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — Ranging from 6 inches to 3 feet in height; some with variegated patterns of creams or yellows, image 90

Culture

Sun
Half, Shade
Water
Medium
USDA zones
5–9

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Fern
Family
Polypodiaceae

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (91)

Table Fern (Pteris Species) — and are generally pest-free; they thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — Ranging from 6 inches to 3 feet in height; some with variegated patterns of creams or yellows, image 68
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — The feathery, arching leaves vary from bright green to variegated, making it a visually soothing addition; moisture, image 72
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — For optimal growth, these ferns demand a fertile, well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH; and are generally
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — They are also superb for planting alongside water features where their reflections amplify the beauty; it's noteworthy that these
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — Hardy in USDA zones 9‚Äì11, it's low-maintenance but does require consistent moisture; but they typically sport elongated
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — some with variegated patterns of creams or yellows; is a graceful addition to shady garden areas or as an understory, image 55
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — and are generally pest-free
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — For optimal growth, these ferns demand a fertile, well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH; and, image 60
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — dwarf varieties are also available for tighter spaces or container gardening; larger Pteris species can reach an impressive
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — but they typically sport elongated
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — some with variegated patterns of creams or yellows
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — larger Pteris species can reach an impressive height and spread of 2 to 3 feet; however
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — <br><br>Landscape designers can leverage Table Ferns' lush texture to soften rockeries or as edging plants, image 84
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — its delicate fronds bring graceful texture; <br><br>Landscape designers can leverage Table Ferns' lush texture to, image 69
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — some with variegated patterns of creams or yellows; is a graceful addition to shady garden areas or as an understory, image 77
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — its delicate fronds bring graceful texture; <br><br>Landscape designers can leverage Table Ferns' lush texture to, image 47
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — Moisture is key - consistently moist soil without waterlogging will prevent the fronds from drying out
Table Fern (Pteris Species) — Moisture is key - consistently moist soil without waterlogging will prevent the fronds from drying out; the feathery, arching
Photographs by 10 contributors

Related plants

Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — This species is renowned for its lush; the Alaska Fern is low maintenance

Fern

Alaska Fern

Polystichum Setiferum

Deep ShadeUSDA 6–8
Alpine Water Fern (Blechnum Penna-Marina) — fern / ground cover for deep shade or half or shade; it is generally pest and disease-resistant

Fern

Alpine Water Fern

Blechnum Penna-Marina

Deep ShadeUSDA 7–10
Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) — It is also commonly called the Japanese Shield Fern due to its robust nature and, image 32

Fern

Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern

Dryopteris erythrosora

ShadeUSDA 4–10
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus) — resembling a bird's nest - hence the name; which is a key identifying feature, image 82

Fern

Bird's Nest Fern

Asplenium Nidus

HalfUSDA 10–11
Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium Aureum) — evergreen fern boasting glaucous; tropical fern that brings a touch of serene beauty to garden spaces with its unique

Fern

Blue Star Fern

Phlebodium Aureum

HalfUSDA 5–9
Brilliance Autumn Fern (Dryopteris Erythrosora 'Brilliance') — The Brilliance Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance') is a vibrant, shade-loving

Fern

Brilliance Autumn Fern

Dryopteris Erythrosora 'Brilliance'

HalfUSDA 5–9