Pteris umbrosa - Jungle Brake

The Pteris umbrosa is a non-hardy tropical fern, appreciated as an indoor plant for its highly green foliage, composed of long erect leaflets. It is a medium-sized fern, resembling a dwarf bamboo, quite easy to grow in environments that are not too dry. It should be grown in a sandy, non-calcareous and moist but not waterlogged soil. It can be grown outdoors in very mild climates. It is also used by decorators in sheltered green walls.

The Pteris umbrosa belongs to the family Pteridaceae, which includes 1150 species native to tropical or arid regions. This semi-hardy botanical species is native to southeastern Australia (New South Wales). It cannot tolerate temperatures below -6°C and is sensitive to dry atmospheres. It is a perennial fern with short creeping rhizomes, forming a beautiful clump with a rather upright and dense habit, reaching a height of about 50-60 cm and a spread of 40-50 cm (16-20in). It grows quite rapidly under favorable conditions. Its fronds are semi-arched, bearing clusters of elongated and linear leaflets, resembling ribbons, slightly undulate, with finely toothed edges, glossy, and a very bright green colour. The foliage persists throughout the year. When it is happy, this fern gradually forms beautiful colonies.

The Pteris ferns are very elegant ferns with great ornamental value, but they are not well-suited for outdoor cultivation in most European climates. The Pteris umbrosa requires environments that resemble tropical forests to thrive: filtered light, mild temperatures in both winter and summer, and not too dry air. It can be grown in pots, containers, or in a green wall inside. To accompany it, consider, for example, asparagus ferns, Pellaea rotundifolia, Asplenium nidus, New Guinea impatiens, plecthranthus, and other African violets.