Pteris cretica
Cretan brake, Cretan fern, Ribbon fern
- Height × spread
- 0.2m × 0.2m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Grown for its striking foliage, this is an elegant fern with dark green glossy leaves, rather smooth and ribbon-like in their effect. General care: It needs a minimum winter temperature of 7C and needs plenty of moisture during the growing season. In the winter the compost should not be allowed to dry out. It likes a brightly shaded spot.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.2m
- Spread
- 0.2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Shady court, Rock garden, Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Alkaline
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- A light position not direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- 16C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Summer · Indoors
Feed with high nitrogen feed
Give the plant a feed monthly from May until August using a houseplant fertiliser that is high in nitrogen.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a high value.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth.
Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Summer
Summer-Autumn · Indoors
Mist the plant in warm weather
Revive plants in warm or hot weather by misting the foliage, preferably using soft or rain water which doesn't mark the foliage. Don't mist when the plant is in full sun. The plant can be misted twice daily if you notice the process revives it.
If leaves are covered in water drops when sun is on them, the droplets can act as little magnifying glasses and cause foliage scorch.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Indoors
Water lightly in winter
The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.
The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.
Planting & general
Indoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Compost · Planting
Loam based compost for repotting
Repot using any good quality standard compost.
Alternatively prepare a special compost that is best suited to the plant's needs: mix equal amounts of loam (John Innes no. 2 or 3), leaf mould, sand or grit and perlite.
Indoor temperature · Planting
16C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 16 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in indirect light indoors
Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.