Also known as Brake Fern · 22 saves
Pteris
Pteris, the genus most gardeners know as brake fern. We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved Pteris varieties
Browse all 7 Pteris varieties →
Species of Pteris
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Pteris in Sow
Save the Pteris you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Pteris
Whats common across all Pteris varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them.
The Pteris year
- DivideMarch and April86% of varieties
Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-5 years in spring or fall.
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March86% of varieties
Cut back any damaged or brown fronds before new growth starts.
- FertilizeApril–July71% of varieties
If needed, apply a weak, balanced liquid fertilizer once in spring.
Do
- Keep soil moist and well-drained 🌱
- Provide indirect, filtered light
- Mist fronds regularly for humidity
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 💧
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid over-fertilizing
- Avoid direct sunlight that can scorch fronds ❌
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
What goes wrong with Pteris
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on fronds | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Scale insects | Bumps on stems or fronds | Use horticultural oil |
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses in the frond bases and along stalks | Dab colonies off with an alcohol-moistened swab and isolate the plant |
| Scale | Small brown immobile bumps on stalks and frond undersides | Wipe off by hand; ferns are easily damaged by insecticidal sprays |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning fronds | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Dark spots spreading on fronds kept wet and cool | Remove affected fronds, water at the base and improve air movement |
| Root Rot | Wilting and browning of fronds, mushy roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, repot if necessary |
Making more Pteris
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Use a sharp knife or spade
- Plant divisions immediately in moist soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
Spores
- Collect spores from mature fronds in late summer
- Sow spores on moist soil surface
- Maintain high humidity and indirect light
- Wait approximately 6 weeks for germination
Pteris questions
How many types of Pteris are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Pteris varieties. The most popular — ranked by 22 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Pteris grow in?
Across its varieties, Pteris covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Pteris bloom?
Most Pteris varieties bloom in late summer, late spring, early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Pteris should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.