Pteris nipponica - White-striped Cretan Brake

The Pteris nipponica, also known as Pteris cretica var. albolineata, or Pteris parkeri, is a tropical fern that is not very hardy and is appreciated as an indoor plant for the graphic design of its variegated foliage, composed of long fronds divided into leaflets with a very light middle zone. It is a small fern, very bright, quite easy to grow in not too dry environments. It will be grown in sandy, non-calcareous and moist but not waterlogged soil. It can be grown outdoors in mild and humid climates.

The Pteris nipponica belongs to the family of Pteridaceae, which includes 1150 species native to tropical or arid regions. This semi-hardy botanical species is native to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. It does not tolerate frost below -6°C (21.2°F) and is sensitive to dry atmospheres. It is a perennial fern with short creeping rhizomes, forming a pretty clump with an upright, light and elegant habit, reaching about 40 cm (16in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in width. The sterile fronds are spread out and divided into fairly wide leaflets, striped with whitish-green on a bright to dark green background. In late spring, the fertile fronds appear, tall and composed of linear segments, also variegated with very light green in the middle. The foliage persists throughout the year.

Pteris ferns are very elegant ferns with great ornamental value, but they are not well suited for outdoor cultivation in most European climates. Pteris nipponica requires environments resembling tropical forests to thrive: filtered light, mild temperatures in winter and summer, and not too dry air. It can be planted in pots, containers, alone or with shade-loving perennials. To accompany it, consider, asparagus ferns, other ferns such as Athyrium Metallicum or Polystichum, colourful Heucheras, Pellea rotundifolia, New Guinea impatiens, plecthranthus, and other African violets.