Dentate Brake Fern
pteris dentata
Also known as: ["Dentate Fern","Toothed Brake Fern"]
Overview
A species of fern with distinctive toothed leaf margins, native to tropical regions.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Pteridales |
| Family: | Pteridaceae |
| Genus: | Pteris |
| Botanical Name: | Pteris dentata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a humid room or shaded outdoor garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich, organic potting mix; can include peat, perlite, and compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or when fronds decline.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or yellowing fronds unless reshaping is required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate lower light but may grow slower.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to brighter light gradually; avoid direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light indoors or dappled shade outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to filtered light
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; avoid south-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant sit in water; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); prefers stable temperatures without extreme fluctuations.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or vents; maintain stable temperatures; protect from sudden temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Division or spores; division is more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into smaller sections with roots.
- Plant each section in its own pot.
- Water lightly.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Standard potting mix with added perlite for drainage; spores require a sterile medium like sphagnum moss.
Hormone
Not necessary for division; optional for spores to encourage germination.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; spores: 1–3 months for germination, 6–12 months to mature.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or shears, pots, soil mix, humidity dome or plastic bag.
Quick Tips
Ensure each division has roots; keep new plants humid; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual fronds at the base with clean cuts; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance and health; occasional shaping to control size.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Check for dead/damaged fronds, use clean tools, cut at the base, dispose of removed fronds.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water evenly until it drains from the bottom; focus on the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility; ensure aeration with chunky components.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or browning leaf tips, stunted growth, wilting, or leaf drop.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, and maintain humidity.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow or stop.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPteris dentata is not considered toxic to cats. It has no known toxic effects or physiological impacts when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPteris dentata is not considered toxic to dogs. It has no known toxic effects or physiological impacts when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPteris dentata is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known toxic effects or physiological impacts when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pteris dentata toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How much light does Pteris dentata need?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full shade.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Pteris dentata turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves may indicate overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient humidity.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Pteridaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to filtered ligh |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
