Pteris parkeri
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Pteris parkeri

Cretan brake

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: partial_sun
Temperature
15–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 8–12
Click count
6
Observations
4

Description

Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Pteris parkeri, the silver ribbon fern, is a species of evergreen fern in the family Pteridaceae, native to Japan, Taiwan and Korea.

🌳 Although still fairly obscure, the silver ribbon fern has features that may be useful for evaluating environmental health, particularly as a bioindicator for certain heavy metals in soil. This unexpected use comes from the fern’s capacity to tolerate and, in some instances, accumulate heavy metals, which could reflect soil contamination levels. While it is not yet widely recognized or applied, this indicates a new direction for research and practical environmental monitoring.

Care Guide

💧 Water

The silver ribbon fern flourishes in high humidity and requires consistently moist, well-drained soil, mirroring the conditions of its rainforest origins. To maintain its vibrant foliage, water the plant weekly. This fern is ideal for indoor environments such as terrariums or bathrooms, where its tropical moisture needs can be met.

☀️ Light Partial sun

The silver ribbon fern flourishes when completely protected from sunlight. This plant grows vigorously in conditions that resemble its native shaded environment. Its wellbeing could worsen with excessive sunlight exposure. A consistently dimly lit environment tends to be optimal for all its growth phases.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 15–37.8°C

The Silver ribbon fern is a type of plant that naturally grows in areas with moderate temperatures. It flourishes best in conditions between 59 and 100 °F (15 to 38 ℃). To ensure the best growth, it is recommended to seasonally adjust the temperature to reflect its original habitat.

Ideal temperature: 15–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The silver ribbon fern calls for the largest amount of fertilizer during its growth phase that predominantly happens in spring, summer, and the start of fall. Fertilization is required to supply crucial nutrients that might be deficient in the soil, thus fostering robust root and stem growth, along with appealing leaves, which is a distinct trait of this specific plant.

🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

When repotting Silver ribbon fern, choose a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring the root ball is slightly lower than the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning

The silver ribbon fern, known for its silvery fronds, benefits from light pruning of old leaves from early to late spring. When pruning, cut close to the base without damaging any new shoots. Regular pruning not only improves the plant's appearance but also enhances air circulation. To prevent disease, always use clean, sharp tools.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Pteris
Family
Pteridaceae
Hardiness Zone
8-12
Mature Height
49 cm
Mature Spread
40 cm
Leaf Color
Green, White
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Planting Time
Spring
Native Area
South Korea, Japan, China

Tags (8)

Common Names (1)

en Cretan brake