This fern has a short creeping branched rhizome that forms a spreading compact clump. It has erect green to silver-variegated long narrow divided fronds and the fertile fronds arise from the centre of the plant and have linear segments, appearing in late summer. 

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Pteris ensiformis is naturally found in Australia growing on the north east coast of Queensland in rainforest and in moist gullies. 

It prefers a moist well drained sandy loam with added leaf mould and a pH 5.5 to 6.5 in a shaded protected position with morning sun and is drought and frost tender.

The Silver Lace Fern is grown for its foliage and is planted in tropical settings commonly around water features in a humid shaded position. It is also used for colour contrast in ferneries establishing from division in 2-3 years. It is used in shaded gullies and in cold climates it is grown as a potted specimen in conservatories or under glass. It is also used as an indoor or courtyard plant tolerating some neglect. ID 439

Pteris (TE-ris) ensiformis (ayn-si-FORM-is)

Pteridaceae (TE-ri-de-AY-see-ee)
(Adiantaceae)