Ladder brake (Pteris longifolia)
Care, watering, light and tips for Ladder brake on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Pteridaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Shade
- Temperature: 10–28 °C
About Ladder brake
Pteris longifolia, commonly known as Longleaf Brake or Strap Fern, is an elegant, fast-growing perennial fern appreciated for its long, narrow, bright green fronds that can reach up to a meter in length. Its graceful habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets, large terrariums, or as a potted indoor plant, adding a sophisticated, tropical touch to any space.
Native range
Tropical and subtropical regions of America, Africa, and Asia
Care tips
It thrives in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sun which can scorch its fronds. Keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged, and ensure the surrounding air has good humidity. Use a well-draining, organic-rich potting mix; a common mistake is allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings, which can lead to frond wilting.
How to save a dying Ladder brake
- Warning signs
- Dry, crispy fronds, brown tips, stunted growth. Loses luster and weakens quickly.
- First aid
- Increase ambient humidity (pebble tray with water), water if substrate is dry, move to bright indirect light. Do not overwater!
- What kills it
- Dry air, lack of constant humidity, direct sun burning its delicate fronds. Prolonged dry substrate.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! If the rhizome is alive, it can regrow. Provide humidity and care; it's quite resilient.