Pteris vittata aka Chinese Brake
Taxonomy
Common names
Chinese Brake, Ladder Brake, Chinese Ladder BrakeHow to care for Chinese Brake
Difficulty
Chinese Brake presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Chinese Brake should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Chinese Brake requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Chinese Ladder Brake, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Chinese Brake will bloom beautifully in your home.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Chinese Brake prefers bright diffused 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
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Chinese Brake is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Chinese Brake’s native range is Tropical and Subtropical regions worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia