About

Blechnum brasiliense is a perennial fern that typically grows to a height of 1.5 meters and spreads about 1 meter. Its fronds, which are either upright or gracefully arching, display a subtle crinkled texture. Young fronds initially appear in a vibrant pinkish-red hue before transitioning to a rich, glossy green as they mature. The fern develops an upright rhizome that can eventually create a slender trunk measuring approximately 30 centimeters in height.

About the genus

Blechnum consists primarily of evergreen ferns characterized by upright or spreading rhizomes. The fronds are typically simple and pinnate, with fertile fronds standing upright while the sterile ones tend to spread out.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1A

Plant details

Plant type
Conservatory Greenhouse, Ferns
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native to
Mexico to South America

Care notes

Cultivation
Best grown under glass in frost-free conditions in a neutral to acid loam compost with bright filtered or indirect light, a humid atmosphere and good ventilation
Pruning
Tidy if necessary, removing older fronds
Propagation
Propagate by spores in summer or propagate by division but may take some time to re-establish
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free