Photo: KeisotyoCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Parker's Brake Plant Care
Pteris parkeri hort.; Gard.Chr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's unique feature is its frilly, finely-cut foliage that gives it an elegant and delicate appearance. Originating from New Guinea, Pteris parkeri is highly sought after by plant collectors for its graceful and intricate leaf pattern, making it a stunning addition to any indoor plant collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Parker's Brake?
Water Parker's 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 Parker's Brake Native To?
What Is the Parker's Brake?
Parker's Brake (Pteris parkeri) belongs to the Pteridaceae family within the Pteris genus. Parker's Brake is native to Japan, Taiwan and Korea. Parker's Brake is also known as Pteris nipponica, Pteris cretica.
Parker's Brake displays a clumping, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Parker's Brake produces non-flowering plant.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Parker's Brake?
Pteris parkeri 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 Parker's Brake Need?
Parker's Brake thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Parker's 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 Parker's Brake Prefer?
Pteris parkeri grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Parker's 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 Parker's Brake?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added organic matter like peat moss or compost. Good drainage is essential for Parker's Brake to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Parker's Brake?
Feed Parker's 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 Parker's Brake?
Repot every 1-2 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 Parker's Brake?
Parker's Brake can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes.
Is the Parker's Brake Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Parker's 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 Parker's Brake?
Parker's Brake is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, 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 Parker's Brake Need?
Parker's Brake grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Parker's Brake is native to Japan, Taiwan and Korea.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Parker's 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 Pteris genus — compare its care with other Pteris species on PlantoScan.
Pteris is part of the Pteridaceae plant family — browse all Pteridaceae genera and species.
Parker's 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: Pteris parkeri hort.; Gard.Chr., family Pteridaceae (first published in Gard. Chron. 51: 160 (1912)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Parker's 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.
- Photo: Keisotyo, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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