Pteris aspericaulis 'Tricolor' (Candy Stripe Brake Fern)

Candy Stripe Brake Fern is one of the more visually unusual ferns you can grow indoors. The fronds emerge with a warm bronze flush, then mature into soft green with creamy white centers and pink midribs running through each leaflet. The overall effect is a gentle candy-cane stripe pattern that sets this fern apart from the solid-green world of most indoor fern species. Individual fronds are upright and arching, giving the plant a graceful, open silhouette.

Like most ferns, it prefers consistently moist soil and dislikes drying out completely between waterings. Bright to medium indirect light suits it well, making it a good candidate for a bathroom shelf or a north-facing windowsill with supplemental light. Humidity is appreciated but not critical for short-term care. Keep it away from heating vents and cold drafts, which are the two most common causes of frond browning on indoor ferns.

This is a conversation-starter plant that earns its place on any fern shelf or tropical plant collection. It pairs particularly well with deep-green companions that let the striped fronds stand out. Note that Pteris ferns are considered potentially toxic to pets if ingested, so placement with curious animals in mind is worthwhile.