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Illustration of fern leaves on a pink background

Tricolor Fern

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pteris quadriaurita 'Tricolor'

KNOWN AS: Tricolor Fern, Painted Brake Fern

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Tropical Asia | Rainforest Understory

DESCRIPTION: The Tricolor Fern is a breathtaking variety of Brake Fern known for its dramatic color changes. New fronds emerge in a vibrant bronze-red or copper hue, gradually fading to a pale yellow or light green before maturing into a deep forest green. This creates a multi-toned "tricolor" effect on a single plant. The fronds are glossy, slender, and grow in an upright, slightly arching clump.

Tricolor Fern Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

The Tricolor Fern needs light to produce those signature red and bronze new fronds.

The Sweet Spot: Place it near a north or east-facing window where it gets plenty of light but no direct rays.

Direct Sun: Lethal. The thin, delicate fronds will scorch and turn into "crispy brown lace" almost instantly under direct afternoon sun.

Low Light: It will survive, but the new growth will emerge a dull green rather than the striking bronze-red color that gives the plant its name.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Brake ferns have very little drought tolerance.

The Routine: Water as soon as the surface of the soil feels barely dry. The goal is to keep the soil like a well-wrung sponge.

Water Quality: Like many delicate ferns, it can be sensitive to hard water. If your tap water is very mineral-heavy, use filtered or rainwater to prevent brown tips.

Warning: If the plant wilts significantly from thirst, the fronds may not recover even after watering. You will likely have to prune them back and wait for new growth.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 75º

This fern prefers the "cool-tropical" range.

The Danger: Avoid placing it near heaters or radiators, which will suck the moisture out of the leaves.

Cold: Keep it away from drafty windows. It is not frost-hardy and will struggle if temperatures drop below 55°F.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 60 - 80%; High Humidity

This is the most challenging part of Tricolor Fern care.

The Problem: In average home humidity, the tips of the fronds will turn brown and brittle.

The Solution: A humidifier is almost mandatory for this species to thrive. A pebble tray or a bright, steamy bathroom is also a great option. It is a world-class candidate for a terrarium or an indoor glass cabinet.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Division: The easiest method. During spring repotting, gently pull the root ball apart into smaller clumps, ensuring each clump has a healthy set of fronds and roots. Spores: Look for brown lines (spores) on the underside of mature fronds. Collecting and sowing these is possible but requires a sterile environment and a lot of patience.
Toxicity
Quick Warning: Non-Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Safe for homes with pets, though the plant is so delicate that it’s best kept on a high shelf where tails can't brush against the fragile fronds.
Repotting
When to Repot: Every 1–2 years in the spring. Choose a Pot: Use a pot with excellent drainage. Plastic pots are often better than terracotta for ferns because they hold onto moisture longer. Soil: Use a light, airy, peat-based mix (see Soil section).
Pruning
Grooming: Old fronds will naturally brown and die off. Snip them off at the soil line with sterilized shears to keep the plant tidy and encourage new coppery growth. Cleaning: Dust can settle on the many small leaflets. A gentle lukewarm spray in the sink once a month is the best way to clean it. Do not use leaf-shine sprays.
Fertilizer
Quick Tip: Feed lightly and only during the growing season. What to Use: A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength. When to Apply: Once a month during the spring and summer. Caution: Over-fertilizing can cause "salt burn" on the delicate roots. Always make sure the soil is already damp before you apply fertilizer; never feed a thirsty plant. Winter: Stop fertilizing entirely in the autumn and winter.
Soil
Ideal Mix: A rich, moisture-retentive, but well-aerated potting mix. Recommended Blend: 2 parts peat moss or coco coir, 1 part perlite, and 1 part leaf mold or compost. This mimics the nutrient-rich, damp floor of the tropical jungle.

Hanging Heights

Tricolor Fern Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Tricolor Fern

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 36"

-

VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Tricolor Fern

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 36"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 24"

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VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Tricolor Fern

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 30"

-

VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Tricolor Fern

-

Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 12"

-

VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Tricolor Fern

-

Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 0" to 8"

-

VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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