Plant Care Pteris Cretica

Pteris Cretica

3.8 out of 5 (6 experiences)

Pteris Cretica has a Large, lush leaves plant personality Large, lush leaves

Also known as

Cretan Brake, Cretan Brake, Ribbon fern and Cretan brake fern

Taxonomy

Pteris cretica
Pteris
Pteridaceae
Polypodiales

How to care for Pteris Cretica

šŸ’¦ Water

How often to water your Pteris Cretica

Water needs for Pteris Cretica
0.5 cups
every 9

Pteris Cretica needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesnā€™t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Pteris Cretica

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
ā˜€ļø Light

Finding light for Cretan Brake in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Pteris Cretica: 3ft from a window
3ft or less from
a window

Pteris Cretica may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves šŸƒ, without ample sunlight.

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Pteris Cretica in your home šŸ”.

šŸŖ“ Nutrients

How to fertilize Pteris Cretica

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Pteris Cretica: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil itā€™s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Pteris Cretica after it doubles in size or once a yearā€”whichever comes first.

Browse #CretanBrake
šŸ’” FAQs
ā­ Difficulty Level

Pteris Cretica is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!

Benefits of Growing Cretan Brake →


šŸ’¦ Water Needs

Pteris Cretica prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Cretan Brake Water Frequency →

Cretan Brake Root Rot →


ā˜€ļø Sunlight Needs

Pteris Cretica may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves šŸƒ without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home šŸ”.

Cretan Brake Light Requirements →

Cretan Brake Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


šŸ¶ šŸˆ šŸ‘¶ Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plantā€™s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, itā€™s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA atĀ US (888) 426-4435.

Cretan Brake Toxicity to Dogs →

Cretan Brake Toxicity to Humans →


šŸ’Ø Humidity

Pteris Cretica enjoys lots of humidity. Provide humidity for your plant by watering regularly and thoroughly, since plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves. They may also benefit from being placed next to a humidifier.

Cretan Brake Humidity Needs →


šŸŖ“ Soil

Pteris Cretica is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.

Best Soil Mix for Cretan Brake →

When and How to Successfully Repot Cretan Brake →


šŸ’© Fertilizer

Pteris Cretica should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as itā€™s refreshed yearly, you shouldnā€™t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Cretan Brake →


šŸŒŽ Native Region

Pteris Cretica is native to Tropical and Subtropical regions worldwide.


ā¬†ļø ā¬‡ļø Growth Pattern

Pteris Cretica grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.


šŸŒ¦ļø Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Pteris Cretica can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-12b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Cretan Brake Temperature Tolerance →


šŸ§ Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Pteris Cretica

Pteris Cretica

Pteris Cretica


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 3ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4ā€ pot your plant is in, and that it doesnā€™t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say

Pteris Cretica has a Large, lush leaves plant personality Large, lush leaves 1
Pteris Cretica has a Fast grower plant personality Fast grower 1
Pteris Cretica has a Browns easily plant personality Browns easily 1
Pteris Cretica has a Survivor plant personality Survivor 1
@MariansOasis avatar
@@MariansOasis
leaf-1 90 Plants
xp 18,709 XP
globe Solana Beach, CA
01/27/2022

Keep watered but not too wet or soggy!

Large, lush leaves Large, lush leaves
@carol avatar
@@carol
leaf-1 5 Plants
xp 192 XP
10/04/2021

Right now it is too new in my house to describe its progress. But it is very beautiful light and airy and yet very present in the room.

@Micky avatar
@@Micky
leaf-1 59 Plants
xp 7,041 XP
globe La Mesa, CA
08/27/2021

I struggle with ferns in general, but after killing two of these, Iā€™m gonna say the Cretan brake is the least hardy of all the ferns Iā€™ve had. I do live in a dry climate, but Iā€™ve managed to keep other ferns at least alive with attentive care - not this guy! He is a bone-dry shriveled mess even with constant moist-not-wet soil, lots of misting, and living in the most fern-friendly room in my home.

@rubyisamilf avatar
@@rubyisamilf
leaf-1 4 Plants
xp 62 XP
globe Newport, New South Wales
07/29/2021

so fun

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