Chilean cliff brake Plant Care
Pellaea chilensis (Fée & J.Rémy) C.Chr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Argyrochosma chilensis is a fern endemic to the Juan Fernández Islands off the coast of Chile. It has leathery, thrice-divided leaves with dark brown axes; the leaves are coated with white powder below.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Chilean cliff brake?
Water Chilean cliff brake every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Chilean cliff brake Native To?
What Is the Chilean cliff brake?
Chilean cliff brake (Pellaea chilensis) belongs to the Pteridaceae family within the Pellaea genus. Chilean cliff brake is native to the Juan Fernández Islands off the coast of Chile.
Chilean cliff brake displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Chilean cliff brake produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chilean cliff brake?
Pellaea chilensis requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Chilean cliff brake Need?
Chilean cliff brake thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chilean cliff brake in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Chilean cliff brake Prefer?
Pellaea chilensis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Chilean cliff brake prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Chilean cliff brake?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss or compost. Good drainage is essential for Chilean cliff brake to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chilean cliff brake?
Feed Chilean cliff brake every 6 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 6 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 Chilean cliff brake?
Repot every 2-3 years in 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 Chilean cliff brake?
Chilean cliff brake can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes.
Is the Chilean cliff brake Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chilean cliff 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 Chilean cliff brake?
Chilean cliff 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 Chilean cliff brake Need?
Chilean cliff brake grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Chilean cliff brake is native to the Juan Fernández Islands off the coast of Chile. In cooler regions, grow Chilean cliff brake as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Chilean cliff 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 Pellaea genus — compare its care with other Pellaea species on PlantoScan.
Pellaea is part of the Pteridaceae plant family — browse all Pteridaceae genera and species.
Chilean cliff brake thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pellaea chilensis (Fée & J.Rémy) C.Chr., family Pteridaceae — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chilean cliff 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 13a, 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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