Blechnum

Blechnum Silver Lady – Best Ferns In New Zealand!

Growing ferns such as Blechnum Silver Lady in your garden or indoor space delivers a vast range of benefits:

• It helps to preserve New Zealand’s species.
• Greater biodiversity is created.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have a range of crown ferns and tree ferns that are ready for planting. We’ll help you find the right Blechnum for your space. Choose from a wide variety of New Zealand-native plants that have been eco-sourced and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Blechnum ferns, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Blechnum Questions

1. Is a Blechnum poisonous?

Blechnum is a genus of ferns that are not known to be poisonous to humans or pets. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid eating any plants that you are not familiar with.

2. What is the best soil for Blechnum?

Blechnum grow best in a moist, well-draining, compost-enriched, and slightly acidic soil. They are sensitive to root rot, so it is important to avoid planting it in soils that are too wet or heavy. If you are planting Blechnum in a container, use a commercial potting mix that is specifically designed for ferns.

3. How do you grow Blechnum?

To grow Blechnum, you can either start from seed or divide an existing plant.

Starting from seed:

1. Sow Blechnum spores in a well-draining potting mix.
2. Keep the potting mix moist but not sodden.
3. Place the pot in a warm, humid location.
4. Germination can take several weeks or even months.
5. Once the seedlings have emerged, transplant them into individual pots.

Dividing an existing plant:

1. Carefully dig up the plant and remove the root ball.
2. Use a sharp knife to divide the root ball into two or more sections.
3. Replant the divisions in individual pots.
4. Water the plants regularly and keep them in a warm, humid location.

Once your Blechnum plants are established, you can plant them in the ground or in containers.

4. How do you care for a Blechnum fern indoors?

Caring for Blechnum ferns indoors involves a few key things:

• They prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing your fern in direct sunlight, as this can scorch its leaves.
• Blechnum ferns need moist soil, but not sodden soil. Water your fern regularly, allowing only the top 10-15 mm of soil to dry out between waterings.
• They prefer humid conditions. You can increase the humidity around your fern by misting it regularly or placing it on a pebble tray filled with water.
• Feed your fern once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
• Blechnum ferns prefer temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. Avoid placing your fern in drafts or near heating or cooling vents.

5. What is the most beautiful tree fern?

The most beautiful tree fern is a matter of opinion, but some of the most popular and visually appealing varieties include:

• Dicksonia antarctica (Soft tree fern): This tree fern is native to eastern Australia and is known for its graceful, arching fronds and its trunk, which is covered in a soft, furry coating. It can grow up to 18 m tall and is a popular choice for ornamental plantings.
• Cyathea medullaris (Mamaku): This tree fern is native to New Zealand and is known for its massive size and its towering fronds. It can grow up to 30 m tall and is the tallest tree fern in the world. Mamaku tree ferns are often found in damp, shady forests.
• Alsophila australis (Australian tree fern): This tree fern is native to eastern Australia and is known for its dense, lush fronds. It can grow up to 10 m tall and is a popular choice for indoor and outdoor plantings.
• Cyathea cooperi (Rough tree fern): This tree fern is native to eastern Australia and is known for its distinctive trunk, which is covered in rough, scaly projections. It can grow up to 10 m tall and is a popular choice for ornamental plantings.
• Cyathea dealbata (Silver fern): This tree fern is native to New Zealand and is known for its silvery-white undersides of its fronds. It can grow up to 10 m tall and is the national emblem of New Zealand.

Ultimately, the most beautiful tree fern is the one that you find most appealing. Consider the size, shape, and texture of the fronds, as well as the overall appearance of the tree fern, when making your decision. You should also consider the climate and growing conditions in your area when choosing a tree fern.

6. What is the lifespan of a lady fern?

The lifespan of a lady fern can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Growing conditions: Under ideal conditions, like moist, shady environments with rich soil, a lady fern can live for around 15 years. However, if conditions are not ideal, its lifespan might be shorter.
• Species variety: There are multiple species and cultivars of lady ferns, some of which may have slightly longer or shorter lifespans than others.
• Disturbance: If the fern is frequently disturbed, such as through digging or transplanting, its lifespan might be shortened.

Overall, you can expect a well-cared-for lady fern to live for a decade or more. With exceptional care and ideal conditions, some individuals might even last up to 20 years.

7. Can lady ferns take full sun?

Lady ferns generally prefer partial shade to full shade, with bright, indirect light being ideal for optimal growth.

8. What is the lifespan of a fern?

The lifespan of a fern, like any plant, can vary depending on several factors, making it difficult to give a single definitive answer. However, I can provide some general information and specific examples to help you understand the range of lifespans you might encounter:

General factors affecting lifespan:

• Species: Different fern species have inherent lifespans, ranging from a few years to centuries. Some common examples:
  • Short-lived: Staghorn fern (3-5 years), Maidenhair fern (5-10 years)
  • Medium-lived: Lady fern (10-20 years), Bird's Nest fern (20-30 years)
  • Long-lived: Blechnum fern (50+ years), Tree fern (hundreds of years, even millennia)
• Growing conditions: Ideal conditions like appropriate temperature, light, moisture, and soil quality can significantly extend a fern's lifespan, while poor conditions can shorten it.
• Disturbance: Frequent digging, transplanting, or other disruptions can stress the plant and shorten its life.
• Genetics: Some individual ferns may have genetic predispositions for longer or shorter lifespans.

Specific examples:

• The giant sequoia fern (Metasequoia glyptostroboides): This towering fern, native to China, can live for thousands of years.
• The royal fern (Osmunda regalis): This majestic fern, found in North America and Eurasia, can live for hundreds of years.
• The common bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum): This widespread fern can form extensive underground rhizomes that persist for centuries, even if the above-ground fronds die back each year.

9. What happens if ferns get too much sun?

When ferns receive too much sun, their delicate fronds can suffer a range of negative consequences, depending on the intensity and duration of the exposure, as well as the specific species of fern. Here's a breakdown of what might happen:

Damage to the fronds:

• Sunburn: The most common effect, characterized by bleached, faded, or yellowing fronds. It can start with browning or crisping at the edges and progress to complete desiccation of the affected parts.
• Stunted growth: The fern might stop growing altogether or produce smaller, weaker fronds.
• Curling or drooping: The fronds might curl inwards or droop as a defense mechanism to avoid further sun exposure.
• Loss of color: The vibrant green color of the fronds may fade, making them appear pale or sickly.

Overall stress and decline:

• Increased water loss: The sun can dry out the soil faster, leading to increased water needs for the fern. If not met, the plant will suffer from dehydration stress.
• Reduced photosynthesis: The intense light can impede the fern's ability to photosynthesize efficiently, limiting its energy production and growth.
• Increased risk of pests and diseases: Stressed ferns are more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Impact depending on species:

• Sun-tolerant ferns: Some fern species, like the Australian Tree Fern, can tolerate more sun than others. However, even these species can suffer if exposed to intense or prolonged sunlight.
• Shade-loving ferns: Most ferns, like the Lady Fern or Maidenhair Fern, are strictly shade-loving and will quickly succumb to excessive sun exposure.

Here's what you can do if your fern gets too much sun:

• Move it to a shadier location: This is the most crucial step. Find a spot with dappled sunlight or filtered light.
• Increase watering: Make sure the soil stays moist, especially during hot weather.
• Mist the fronds: Regularly misting the fronds can help alleviate dehydration stress.
• Prune damaged fronds: Remove any severely burned or dried-out fronds to promote new growth.
• Mulch around the base: Mulch helps retain moisture and keep the soil cool, reducing sun stress.

Remember, early intervention is key. If you notice signs of sun damage, act quickly to provide your fern with the shade and care it needs to recover.

10. Does lady fern spread?

Lady ferns do spread, but in a slow and controlled manner. They achieve this primarily through underground rhizomes, which are horizontal stems that grow beneath the soil surface. Here's what you need to know about lady fern spreading:

How they spread:

• Rhizomes: Over time, the rhizomes of a lady fern will elongate and branch out, eventually forming new fronds at their tips. This results in a gradual expansion of the fern clump.
• Division: You can also divide mature lady ferns to propagate them, effectively spreading their presence in your garden. However, this is not a natural mechanism of their spread.