The Jungle Brake Fern
This is a shade loving fern from eastern Australia. Commonly called the Jungle Brake Fern the Botanical Name is Pteris umbrosa.
Mid to deep green fronds which are deeply lobed, this is a fern that like moisture yet good drainage.
Over time this is a species that develops a strong clumping habit and in the right conditions makes a good ground cover plant.
It will spread naturally through underground rhizomes, it is found from S.E Queensland through to Victoria and grows extremely well in shade along stream margins.
This is a species that has a number of uses, it is suited to growing in hanging baskets, use for mass planting as a ground cover plant or grow it in containers on a balcony or patio to add a tropical look to your outdoor entertaining area.
Care
- Best grown in part shade in a moist however not wet and soggy soil. Indoors improve the humidity by mist spraying.
- Prune away dead fronds as they appear to improve the look of the plant.
- In containers repot every 2 – 3 years.