Pteris

Pteris is a family of robust ferns which grow naturally in tropical or sub-tropical climates in various areas of the world.

Description
This plant grows in clumps that rarely extend to more than 12 inches in height or width. It is distinguishable by its finger-like fronds, known as pinnae, which are found on each individual section of a single leaf.

Habitat
The pteris family thrive in light, loamy soil with plenty of space for root growth. In parts of the United States, certain species have grown so prolifically that they have been classified as invasive weeds.

Availability
Types of Pteris vary from those requiring greenhouse conditions with a minimum temperature of 55 degrees Celsius to those which can be grown outdoors. Indoor pteris plants such as cretica can easily be grown as houseplants provided they are kept hydrated and placed out of draughts and away from sources of dry heat such as radiators.

Species
Pteris (sub-family pteridoideae) belongs to the pteridaceae family, of which there are a total of 280 separate species. Many are known by the overall term ‘brake fern’ but some are described more specifically – pteris cretica, for example, is known commonly as a Cretan brake.

Care Tips
Pteris cretica enjoys warm but shady positions with a high humidity. It should be sprayed regularly with warm water and immersed in room-temperature water occasionally. It should also be fed on a monthly basis with liquid fertiliser using a 50/50 dilution.

Did You Know?
Ferns of the pteris genus are also described by the term ‘brake’, a Middle English word for bracken which is thought to derive from the southern parts of England where some species of these plants are prolific.

One particular species, pteris vittata is known to be able to absorb high quantities of arsenic from the soil by a process known as ‘hyperaccumulation’.

References
www.botany.com/pteris.html