How to Grow Pteris - Planting & Caring

By Sharon & Team   /   Fern Category   /   2023

Pteris, also known as brake fern or table fern, is a genus of about 250 species of ferns in the family Pteridaceae, though some botanists place it in a much narrower circumscription within that family. They are mostly herbaceous terrestrial ferns, though a few are epiphytic or semi-epiphytic. They occur throughout the world in tropical and subtropical regions, with the highest diversity in southeastern Asia and Malesia.

How to Grow Pteris - Planting & Caring

Growing Easiness

Is it easy to grow Pteris plant? Because this species has a high degree of genetic variability, it can adapt to a wide range of growing conditions. Pteris is a tropical fern, and therefore prefers warm, humid weather and lots of water. However, it can also tolerate cooler temperatures and some drought. This plant is also very resistant to disease and pests.

Plant Size

How big can it be? Since they are a terrestrial plant they don't grow too tall, only 30-40 cm. They can get a bit wider, up to 40 cm.

Growth Rate

How fast is the growth? Common ly known as brake fern or ribbon fern, the Pteris genus consists of approximately 280 species of ferns. They are found on all continents except Antarctica. Pteris ferns are characterized by having high, easily double their growth for the season, and sometimes reaching up to three feet in height. The leaves are usually linear or lanceolate in shape and are alternately arranged on the stem. The leaves are also usually have conspicuous veins running parallel to the margins. The leaf margins are often serrated or lobed. The leaves of some species are also silver or gold in color.

Pteris Basic Knowledge

Plant Form Fern
Family Pteridaceae
Origin Tropics of the Old World, subtropics, Mediterranean, Middle East, Transcaucasia

Lifespan, Perennial or Annuals

How long is the lifespan? Common ly known as brake fern or table fern, the Pteris is a genus of ferns in the family Pteridaceae, subfamily Pteridoideae, tribe Pterideae. With about 250 to 300 species, it is the second-largest genus of ferns after Dryopteris.

Ideal Temperature

What is the ideal temperature? Common name: brake fern. In the summer, Pteris plant thrives at temperatures between 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, the plant does well at temperatures between 64.4-68 degrees Fahrenheit, with a minimum of 53.6-59 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant is commonly known as brake fern.

Humidity

What about the humidity? known that the Pteris is relatively resistant to air dry. But for the full development of the plant, it is desirable to spray 3 times a week. Also, the pot should be placed in a pallet with expanded clay or wet peat.

Light Requirement

What amount of light this plant needed? The north-facing window will provide the right amount of light for variegated forms. For these plants, bright scattered light is required.

Soil Composition

What is good soil for Pteris? The soil should be a mixture of peat, turf, leaf mold and sand in equal parts. This will provide the plant with the nutrients it needs as well as good drainage. Sphagnum moss and charcoal can also be added to the mixture to provide extra drainage and aeration.

Watering Time

How much I must water Pteris? Common name: Brake fern, Chinese brake fern, Chinese ladder brake. The soil in the pot must be moist all the time, but the overflow is not permissible (pour with soft water about 3-4 times a week). In winter, watering is reduced to 1-2 times a week.

Fertilizing and Nutritient

About fertilizer. Sometimes, when you buy a potted plant, it comes with a little packet of fertilizer. Other times, you have to buy it separately. Fertilizer is a material that is added to soil to provide nutrients that are essential for the growth of plants. There are many different types of fertilizer, and the type you use will depend on the type of plant you are growing. Pteris is a type of fern, and it is a tropical plant. Pteris needs a lot of moisture and humidity to grow. If you live in a dry climate, you will need to water your Pteris more often. Pteris also needs a lot of light. If you live in a cold climate, you will need to grow your Pteris under artificial light. When you are growing Pteris, you should fertilize your plant every two weeks. You should dilute the fertilizer with water, and you should apply the fertilizer to the leaves of the plant.

Reproduction

How to reproduce Pteris? Common ly known as the brake fern or table fern,Pteris is a genus of fern in the family Pteridaceae, subfamily Pteridoideae, order Pteridales. With about 260 species, it is the second-largest genus of ferns. They are distributed throughout the world in temperate and tropical regions, especially in Asia and the Pacific. Pteris ferns have a cosmopolitan distribution in tropical and subtropical regions.

Bloom

Why Pteris won't bloom? If you are looking for a plant that will brighten up your home with beautiful blooms, then the Pteris plant is not for you. This plant is a fern, and as such, does not bloom.

Transfer or Repotting

How much I must water Pteris? When the pot is old and the volume is getting smaller, it's time to transfer the Pteris to a new pot. It's best to do this in spring. Pteris prefers closed pots, so choose one that is not too big.

Caring The Pteris

How to care the plant? Eventually, the leaves of a Pteris fern will start to turn brown and die off. When this happens, it's important to cut these leaves off at the base, near the root of the plant. Doing this will help encourage new growth. After cutting off the damaged leaves, be sure to give the plant a good watering. With a little care, your Pteris fern should start to produce new, healthy leaves in no time.

Pests & Challenges

What is the challenge when caring Pteris plant? The leaves of the plant very different in size shape and color. The plant is an evergreen, which means that it does not lose its leaves. The plant can grow in full sun or partial shade. It does not like to be in full shade because it will not get enough sunlight.

Toxic & Poisonous Type

Are Pteris poisonous? Common ly known as the bristle fern, the Pteris plant is a species of fern that is native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The plant is also found in temperate regions, such as Europe and North America. The Pteris plant is characterized by its long, bristle-like leaves. These leaves are used by the plant to capture sunlight and convert it into energy. The Pteris plant is known to be toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the toxicity can lead to death.