Cliff Brake
(Pteris incompleta)
Cliff Brake (Pteris incompleta)
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Rafael Medina
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Rafael Medina
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Rafael Medina | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Rafael Medina | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2022-07-30T13:26:56-07:00 |

























Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements
• Precipitation | 54" - 73" |
• High Temp. | 73°F - 77°F |
• Low Temp. | 48°F - 52°F |
Summary
Pteris incompleta, commonly known as Cliff Brake, is a fern native the western Mediterranean, typically found in moist, shaded habitats such as forest understories and wetlands. It is not commonly referred to as Laurisilva Brake or Maidenhair Fern, as these names usually refer to different species. Pteris incompleta grows at a moderate rate to a typical height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Its fronds are light green and delicate, with a feathery appearance that adds a soft texture to shaded garden areas.
Cliff Brake is valued for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it an excellent choice for shaded gardens, underplanting beneath taller plants, or indoor cultivation as a houseplant. It requires consistently moist soil and benefits from high humidity, which mimics its native tropical habitat. While it prefers loam or clay soils with medium or slow drainage, it is adaptable to a range of soil types as long as they are kept moist. Cliff Brake is relatively low-maintenance, but gardeners should be vigilant about providing adequate water, especially during dry periods.CC BY-SA 4.0
Cliff Brake is valued for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it an excellent choice for shaded gardens, underplanting beneath taller plants, or indoor cultivation as a houseplant. It requires consistently moist soil and benefits from high humidity, which mimics its native tropical habitat. While it prefers loam or clay soils with medium or slow drainage, it is adaptable to a range of soil types as long as they are kept moist. Cliff Brake is relatively low-maintenance, but gardeners should be vigilant about providing adequate water, especially during dry periods.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Ferns
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season:
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Moist, shaded habitats such as forest understories and wetlands in tropical and subtropical regions
Other Names
Common Names: Maidenhair Fern , Spider Brake , Cliff Brake
Scientific Names: Pteris incompleta , Pteris kingiana , Pteris palustris , Pteris serrata
GBIF Accepted Name: Pteris incompleta