How Long Does It Take for a Pteris Fern to Mature?

Genus Pteris

• This genus is a member of the family Pteridaceae, which encompasses 90 species, five of which are brake ferns. The majority of the ferns are terrestrial or grow on rock or in cracks. The foliage is herbaceous or sometimes leathery and the plants are native to warm, tropical regions. Most of the species are short plants with arching leaves and may grow only 36 to 48 inches tall. The plants are perennial and reproduce from the brown spores held on the leaves. Spore-formed plants will take years to reach full maturity.

Fern Propagation

• Brake or Pteris ferns grow from spores just like other plants in this family. Spores are borne in sporangia, which are located in groups on the underside of the fronds. These sporangia release the spores when they are ripe and conditions are favorable. Spores are transported in water and sometimes by air until they find a location that promotes growth. The spores need humidity, warmth and light for germination. Once they germinate they become the first growth stage in fern development, the gametophyte.

Timing to Sporophytes

• The gametophytes appear within a week or two of finding a good habitat for germination. The young ferns are called sporophytes and develop from the gametophytes within 12 weeks. They are recognizable as fern structures but do not strictly resemble the adult Pteris fern. The gametophytes are ground-hugging fanlike structures that will sprout slender stems upon which will grow the sporophyte leaves. As the leaves mature they begin to resemble the strappy leaves of a mature Pteris.

Mature Pteris

• Pteris ferns are slow growing and may take years to reach their full maturity. The exact time will depend upon the species, but the more important factor is how well they succeed in finding perfect growing conditions. Once mature the fern can be propagated easily from division. It produces short, creeping rhizomes, which are underground stems. These can be cut or pulled apart with a healthy amount of foliage on the top. Then plant them to produce more of the ferns, and these will mature in a fraction of the time once they have rooted.