Pteris cretica aka Ribbon Fern

Taxonomy

Pteris cretica, or the Cretan brake fern, is an evergreen species native to Europe, Asia, and Africa that is prized for its ease of growing indoors. It displays flat, pinnate fronds with broad green leaflets measuring up to 50 cm with a pale center. This plant makes a great houseplant, doing well in abundant sunshine, with soil that retains moisture, and should be placed less than 3 feet away from a window. Despite not requiring fertilizer, it should be repotted each time it doubles in size if it is to thrive. With over 272 being grown around the world, it is clear why Pteris cretica is so popular - it is lush, easy to take care of, and has beautiful foliage.

Common names

Ribbon Fern, Cretan Brake, Avery Fern

How to care for Ribbon Fern

Difficulty

If you're an experienced gardener looking to push your limits, Ribbon Fern will provide you with a rewarding and challenging experience.

Water

Ribbon Fern should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Ribbon Fern, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Avery Fern is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Ribbon Fern will thrive!

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Ribbon Fern prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Ribbon Fern has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Ribbon Fern grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Ribbon Fern’s native range is Tropical and Subtropical regions worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia