Pteris cretica 'Mayii', the silver ribbon fern

In novels and films, scientists have fun resurrecting dinosaurs or creating monsters from corpses. In real life, they're content to make plants that are a little bizarre. Such is the case with Pteris cretica 'Mayii'. This fern in the Pteridaceae family is a cultivar of Pteris of Crete.

How to recognize Pteris cretica 'Mayii'?

Pteris cretica 'Mayii' is a bushy fern. It doesn't exceed 40 centimetres in height, but can reach a 35-centimetre spread.

The fronds grow from a short, creeping rhizome. They are supported by a long, slender petiole.

Foliage consists of pinnate fronds. They are divided into 2 to 5 ribbed pinnae with serrated margins. Acid green, the segments are sometimes crossed by a light green or silver stripe, as in pteris albolineata. But a simple glance is enough to differentiate the two species. Some Pteris cretica Mayii pinnules are multifurcate. The last segment ends in a crest and resembles a fish tail or hand.

Like other ferns, Pteris cretica Mayii produces neither flowers nor fruit. It reproduces by means of spores, clustered on the underside of fertile fronds.

Pteris cretica 'Mayii' is not toxic to us or our pets. Some studies even claim that it has depolluting properties.

Our maintenance tips

Pteris Mayii like subdued light and humidity. If you install them in a bathroom with a window, these plants are very easy to grow. Elsewhere, you'll need to make some effort to provide them with sufficient humidity.

Watering

The substrate must always remain moist, but the plant must not have its feet in water. Remove stagnant water from the saucer or planter to prevent root rot.

Water the soil with non-calcareous water at room temperature. Use rainwater or, if you don't have any, demineralized water.

Spray

Mist foliage to increase humidity and repel pests. Always spray with rainwater. Tap water is too hard and leaves white marks on the leaves.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Pteris cretica 'Mayii' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Get a perforated pot. You can add gravel or clay balls to the bottom to improve drainage.

Pteris Mayii need rich soil. Mix equal parts heather and perlite. You can also combine 50% potting soil for green plants and 50% leaf compost. Pour on a layer of substrate.

Plant your Pteris cretica 'Mayii in the center and fill in with soil. Be careful not to bury it too deeply! The rhizomes should be flush with the surface. Water generously to facilitate rooting.

You can place your pot on a dish filled with moist clay balls. The evaporation of water helps to increase humidity.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Fertilize with a green plant fertilizer to stimulate growth. Your Pteris cretica 'Mayii is not very greedy. Divide the dose prescribed by the manufacturer by two to avoid damaging its foliage and roots.

Prune

To encourage the growth of your Pteris cretica 'Mayii, prune regularly.

Remove dry fronds with clean, sharp pruning shears.

Plantation

Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.

Choose a bright location, but away from direct sunlight. In the hottest hours, the strongest rays can burn the foliage of your Pteris cretica 'Mayii.

Soak the root ball of your plant to rehydrate it and promote recovery.

all pteris Mayii plants have shallow roots, but their rhizomes tend to spread out. To help your plant flourish, dig a hole wider than it is deep. Place a layer of compost or leaf compost at the bottom.

Plant your specimen in the center. Fill the hole with a mixture of garden soil and heather. Don't bury your Pteris cretica 'Mayii too deeply! The rhizomes should be flush with the surface. You can use the remaining garden soil to form a watering trough.

Water generously to facilitate rooting.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Take advantage of repotting to multiply the plant by dividing it. Once you've dug up your pteris Mayii, locate a rhizome with aerial stems and several fronds. Separate it from the main plant using your hands or a clean, sharp knife.

Prepare a ten-centimeter diameter pierced pot. Fill it with an equal mixture of potting soil for green plants and leaf compost.

Plant your cutting in the center. Don't bury it too deeply. Its rhizomes should be barely covered by soil.

Water generously to encourage rooting and remove air bubbles.

Disease / Threat

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Pteridaceae - Pteridaceae
Type	Pteris - Pteris
Species	Pteris of Crete - Pteris cretica
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade Shade
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots Planter
Categories	Rhizome Herbaceous
Tag	Soiffarde
Origins	South Africa East Africa Central Asia South Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Southern Europe Western Europe
Hardiness (USDA)	9a
Leaf color