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Pteris quadriaurita (Pteris quadriaurita)

Pteris quadriaurita is an herbaceous fern. Sources differ, with some describing it as perennial.

LightIt does well in part sun to bright, indirect light and should be kept out of strong direct sunlight. It is also reported to tolerate part sun.
WaterIt is reported to need moderate, steady moisture, without allowing the growing medium to become excessively wet or dry; dry conditions can hinder young-frond development. Keep evenly moist.
HumidityIt is generally reported to prefer high humidity and to have a high humidity need.
TemperatureIt is reported to be unsuitable for colder winter conditions and is considered tender.
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Pteris quadriaurita illustration

Overview

Pteris quadriaurita is an herbaceous fern. Sources differ, with some describing it as perennial.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native or global distribution: one account reports it from the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and the Antilles, while also listing the Old World tropics; another describes it as pantropical. Pteris species are commonly found beneath forest canopies, in grasslands or wetlands, and this cultivar is suited to cultivation in part sun. It has a pantropical distribution context, while Pteris as a genus is mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions.

Characteristics

It is reported to have triangular, pinnately compound fronds, with new fronds reddish brown and mature fronds green. With few-source support, mature height is reported at about 50–200 cm and mature spread at about 0–50 cm.

Light

It does well in part sun to bright, indirect light and should be kept out of strong direct sunlight. It is also reported to tolerate part sun.

Watering

It is reported to need moderate, steady moisture, without allowing the growing medium to become excessively wet or dry; dry conditions can hinder young-frond development. Keep evenly moist.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally reported to prefer high humidity and to have a high humidity need.

Temperature and dormancy

It is reported to be unsuitable for colder winter conditions and is considered tender.

Growing medium and mounting

A humus-rich, organic and well-drained growing medium is generally recommended.

Feeding

During the growing period from spring through autumn, it is reported to accept slow-release chemical fertilizer at wider intervals or fast-acting liquid fertilizer more frequently.

Propagation

Pteris quadriaurita can be propagated by division; Pteris species can also be propagated from spores or rhizome sections. Division is also specifically reported as a propagation method.

Common problems

Cultivation information for Pteris generally reports possible spider mites, scale insects, leafrollers, aphids, mealybugs and Florida Fern Caterpillar. Pteris information also reports anthracnose and possible rust, sooty mold and leaf-spot problems. Excessively wet growing medium may cause yellowing leaves and root rot, while insufficient water may leave fronds dry, brittle and yellow-brown; overly dry air can hinder young-frond development, and strong light may cause sunburn. It is sensitive to low temperatures and frost, should be kept out of strong direct sunlight, and has poorer young-frond development in dry conditions.

Identification

It is reported as a red-leaved horticultural cultivar of Pteris quadriaurita, distinguished ornamentally by reddish-brown new fronds that become green as they mature.

Photos

Pteris quadriaurita
📷 Raffi Kojian · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

Sources