Also known as Mountain Silverback Fern
Mountain Silver-Back Fern (Pityrogramma ebenea) is a striking fern with fronds that are silvery-white on the underside, adding a unique shimmer to shady gardens. It thriv
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial shade
50% intensity
Thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its fronds.
Consistent moisture
75% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Humus-rich, well-draining soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures between 18-24°C. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Moderate feeding
50% intensity
Feed with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Reduce or stop in cooler months.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Pityrogramma ebenea thrives in high humidity and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. Allow the top centimeter of soil to become dry before watering again.
Reduce watering slightly in cooler months to prevent root rot.
Prune away any dead, damaged, or yellowing fronds to maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal and encourage new growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. This also helps prevent potential pest and disease issues.
Lightly trim to shape if needed.
The most common method for propagating Pityrogramma ebenea is by dividing mature plants. Carefully separate the rhizomes during repotting in spring.
Each division should have at least a few healthy fronds and some viable root structure. Plant in fresh, moist potting mix.
Repot your Mountain Silver-Back Fern every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and compost.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Mountain Silver-Back Fern (Pityrogramma ebenea)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Pteridaceae |
| Genus | Pityrogramma |
| Species | Pityrogramma ebenea |
Similar in genus Pityrogramma
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
