Pteris decurrens, commonly known as the Cretan Brake Fern, is a perennial herbaceous fern native to East Asia, specifically China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It is typically found in the understory of moist forests, often in limestone areas, where it thrives in the dappled sunlight and high humidity. This fern usually reaches a height and width of 0.5-2 feet (0.15-0.6 meters), presenting a delicate and airy appearance with its arching fronds and finely divided leaves.

The Cretan Brake Fern is appreciated for its lush, green foliage which adds a textural contrast in shaded garden areas, terrariums, or as a houseplant. It is used for ground cover in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and in containers for indoor use. Gardeners value this fern for its adaptability to indoor conditions and its relatively easy maintenance. It requires consistently moist soil, rich in organic matter, and benefits from high humidity. While it prefers part shade or full shade, it is important to protect it from direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Over time, Pteris decurrens can form dense clumps, making it an effective ground cover. It is not known for significant pest or disease issues, but it can be sensitive to overwatering which may lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0