Pteris tremula
A tall, graceful brake fern with finely divided fronds that quiver in air currents. Occurs in moist forest and shaded scrub. Prefers sheltered, humid conditions among our native ferns.
| Scientific Name | Pteris tremula |
|---|---|
| Height | 0.8–2.0 m |
| Spread | 0.8–1.5 m clump |
| Light | Shade to bright shade |
| Soil | Moist, humus-rich |
| Water Needs | Consistent moisture |
| Frost Tolerance | Varies |
| Salt Tolerance | Varies |
| Growth Rate | Varies |
| Lifespan | Varies |
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Shaking Brake thrives in New Zealand's temperate, humid climates, naturally occurring in moist forests and shaded scrublands throughout both main islands. It prefers consistently moist conditions with high humidity and protection from direct sunlight and strong winds.
Shaking Brake requires filtered light or dappled shade. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the delicate fronds.
Prefers moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Thrives in forest-type soils with leaf mold and good drainage.
Requires consistent moisture but not waterlogged conditions. Regular watering essential during dry periods.
Spring is the ideal time for planting and dividing Shaking Brake ferns. New fronds emerge as temperatures warm, and this is when the plant begins its most active growth period.
Summer is the peak growing season for Pteris tremula. The fern produces most of its new fronds during this time and requires consistent moisture to support vigorous growth.
Autumn brings spore maturation and is an excellent time for spore collection if propagation is desired. The fern begins to slow its growth as temperatures cool.
Winter is the dormant period for Shaking Brake. The fern requires minimal care as growth slows significantly in cooler temperatures.
Shaking Brake ferns require minimal pruning but benefit from regular maintenance to control their vigorous growth and maintain garden aesthetics. Care should be taken when handling as the plant contains cytotoxins.
This fast-growing fern can become weedy in ideal conditions, so regular monitoring and pruning to control spread is often necessary to prevent it from overwhelming other garden plants.
Shaking Brake (Pteris tremula) is a graceful fern native to New Zealand, known for its tall, finely divided fronds that quiver in air currents. This elegant fern is well-suited for warm, frost-free gardens or sheltered, bright indoor/outdoor positions, adding a touch of tropical lushness to any setting. Its delicate appearance belies a robust nature, making it a rewarding plant to cultivate with the right care. Understanding its propagation methods is key to successfully establishing and enjoying this beautiful native fern.
Propagating Shaking Brake from spores is a fascinating and rewarding method, though it requires patience and attention to detail. Collect fertile fronds when the sporangia (spore cases) on the undersides of the fronds darken and are ready to release spores. Sow the spores onto the surface of a sterilized, fine medium, such as a blend of peat and sand or a specialized fern-raising mix, without covering them. Seal the container to maintain high humidity and place it in low light at temperatures between 18–24 °C. Keep the medium evenly moist. After the prothallus stage, allow sporophytes (tiny true fronds) to develop, then carefully prick them out and grow them in shaded and humid conditions before potting them individually. Gradually harden them off before planting out into their final positions.
Division of established clumps is an excellent and reliable method for propagating Shaking Brake, especially for home gardeners. This is best undertaken in warm, humid conditions, typically in spring or early summer. Carefully lift the entire fern clump using a spade or fork. Gently rinse the growing medium from the roots and split the clump into firm divisions, ensuring each section has several healthy fronds and a sound rhizome (underground stem). Replant the divisions immediately at the original depth into prepared soil that is free-draining and humus-rich. Water thoroughly after replanting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the divisions evenly moist and shaded until new growth indicates successful establishment. This method is particularly effective for expanding existing plantings or for rejuvenating older, less vigorous clumps.
Explore other native ferns that share similar growing conditions and complement Shaking Brake in shaded garden settings.
