Taxonomic Name: Pteris cretica and Pteris ensiformis, and their varieties
Brake Fern Family
Nonflowering Herbaceous Plant
Brake ferns come in several popular cultivated varieties, including those that sport silvery variegation and crested "fishtail" fronds. For the most part, they are small plants, well suited to a tabletop or desktop setting. To keep these plants at the peak of their form, make sure they receive the proper light and humidity they need (see below).
How to Care for Your Plant:
LIGHT: Bright indirect sunlight is best; your brake fern will enjoy living in an unobstructed northern or eastern window. Your plant may also tolerate bright artificial lighting, at least for a few weeks.
WATERING: Water as soon as the soil surface feels dry to the touch. At least a little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes, but the plant should not stand in saucer water for more than thirty minutes.
FEEDING: Feed the plant only when it is actively growing, and then do so sparingly. Use an all purpose houseplant food at half the concentration and frequency listed in the product directions. NOTE: Do not use Miracid or any other acidifying plant food. Many brake ferns-- especially Pteris cretica and its varieties--grow in limestone areas where the soil is sweet. They cannot tolerate acidic soil.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Like almost all ferns, brake ferns need high humidity. Put a water-filled gravel tray under your plant, or place the plant near a room humidifier.
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