Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly during winter months.
Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
Also known as Avery Fern · Brake Fern · Cretan Bracken
Pteris cretica, the Cretan Brake, is an elegant fern with graceful, often variegated fronds, ideal for shady, humid indoor environments and terrariums.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright indirect
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch fronds.
Consistently moist
75% intensity
Water when top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, avoid waterlogging.
Well-draining, humus-rich soil
50% intensity
Average room
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with diluted balanced fertilizer during growing season only.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly during winter months.
Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
Remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing fronds by cutting them at the base. This encourages new growth and maintains the plant's tidy appearance.
Pruning can be done at any time of year as needed, but is most effective during the active growing season.
Pteris cretica is typically propagated by division of established clumps. Carefully divide the rhizome into sections, ensuring each section has roots and at least one new frond.
Pot the divisions in well-draining potting mix and keep moist.
Repot your Cretan Brake every 1-2 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a peat-based potting mix that retains moisture.
Repotting is best done in spring.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cretan Brake (Pteris cretica)
Where Cretan Brake (Pteris cretica) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Pteridaceae |
| Genus | Pteris |
| Species | Pteris cretica |
Similar in genus Pteris
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
