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.
Landscaping Uses
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.
It can also be grown as an indoor plant in good indirect or filtered light.
How to grow the Jungle Brake Fern – Basic Care
This is a fern that is best grown in part shade in a moist however not wet and soggy soil. Indoors improve the humidity by mist spraying.
Use a watering cycle allowing the soil to dry a little between waterings but not completely. Ensure that drainage is good and do not let the fern sit in water.
Watering frequency will depend on soil/potting mix as well a temperature and other factors. Indoors a watering every 7 days is an average. However check the soil more often, if it is drying out you need to water.
Although this fern will tolerate light frosts, a frost free position is best form foliage appearance.
Problems
Yellowing leaves combined with wet soil are a good indication of overwatering.
Brown dry leaves usually indicate underwatering.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Prune away dead fronds as they appear to improve the look of the plant.
- In containers repot every 2 – 3 years.