The lovely ‘Mayii’ Moonlight Fern! It’s a beautiful cultivar of the Cretan Brake Fern, known for its elegant, silvery-green fronds.

Here’s how to keep yours happy and thriving:

Light:

‘Mayii’ prefers bright, indirect light. Think of a spot near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet back from a south or west-facing one.
Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate fronds, so avoid placing it in intense, midday sun.
Too little light can lead to leggy growth and a loss of that lovely silvery hue.

Water:

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch.
Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot, which is a common problem with ferns.
Reduce watering slightly during the winter months when the plant’s growth slows down.
Using rainwater or distilled water is ideal, as ‘Mayii’ can be sensitive to the chemicals in tap water. If you use tap water, let it sit out for a few hours to allow chlorine to evaporate.

Humidity:

Like most ferns, ‘Mayii’ thrives in high humidity.
If your home air is dry, especially during winter with heating, you’ll need to increase humidity. You can do this by:
- Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the bottom of the pot isn’t sitting directly in the water).
- Grouping it with other humidity-loving plants.
- Using a humidifier.
- Misting the fronds regularly with room-temperature water (preferably early in the day to allow the leaves to dry before nightfall).

Temperature:

‘Mayii’ prefers moderate temperatures between 18°C and 24°C (65°F and 75°F).
Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and drafts. Keep it away from heating vents and cold doorways.

Soil:

A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is ideal. You can also use a mix formulated for ferns or add some perlite to a general-purpose mix to improve drainage.

Fertilizing:

Feed your ‘Mayii’ fern sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer).
Use a diluted (half-strength) balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.
Avoid fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing. Over-fertilizing can burn the delicate roots.

Pruning:

Remove any dead or yellowing fronds at the base to keep the plant tidy and prevent potential disease.

Repotting:

Repot your ‘Mayii’ in the spring when it outgrows its current container. You’ll notice roots circling the inside of the pot.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one.

Common Problems:

Brown or crispy fronds: Often caused by low humidity, underwatering, or direct sunlight.
Yellowing fronds: Can be due to overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies.
Pale or leggy growth: Usually a sign of insufficient light.
Pests: While generally pest-resistant, keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like scale or mealybugs. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

With the right care, your Pteris cretica ‘Mayii’ will reward you with its graceful and luminous foliage for years to come! Let me know if you have any more questions.