Slender rock-brake Plant Care
Cryptogramma stelleri (S.G.Gmel.) Prantl
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cryptogramma stelleri, common names slender cliff-brake, fragile rock-brake, slender rock-brake, and Steller's rockbrake, is a plant found in North America. It is listed as endangered in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Every 4–7 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Slender rock-brake?
Water Slender rock-brake every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Slender rock-brake Native To?
What Is the Slender rock-brake?
Slender rock-brake (Cryptogramma stelleri) belongs to the Pteridaceae family within the Cryptogramma genus. Slender rock-brake is native to North America. Slender rock-brake is also known as Steller's rock-brake.
Slender rock-brake displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Slender rock-brake produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Slender rock-brake?
Cryptogramma stelleri requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Slender rock-brake Need?
Slender rock-brake thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Slender rock-brake in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Slender rock-brake Prefer?
Cryptogramma stelleri grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Slender rock-brake prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Slender rock-brake?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Slender rock-brake to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Slender rock-brake?
Feed Slender rock-brake every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Slender rock-brake?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Slender rock-brake?
Slender rock-brake can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american rock brake plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Slender rock-brake Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Slender rock-brake, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Slender rock-brake?
Slender rock-brake is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Slender rock-brake Need?
Slender rock-brake grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Slender rock-brake is native to North America. In cooler regions, grow Slender rock-brake as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Slender rock-brake is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cryptogramma genus — compare its care with other Cryptogramma species on PlantoScan.
Cryptogramma is part of the Pteridaceae plant family — browse all Pteridaceae genera and species.
Slender rock-brake copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cryptogramma stelleri (S.G.Gmel.) Prantl, family Pteridaceae (first published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 3(5): 413. 1882 [29 Dec 1882]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Slender rock-brake, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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