About

Blechnum brasiliense Eruption ('Alceru') is a perennial fern characterized by its erect, lanceolate fronds. The young fronds emerge in a vivid red hue, transitioning to a vibrant green as they mature.

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
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1B

Plant details

Plant type
Conservatory Greenhouse, Ferns
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical

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. Outdoors, for warmer counties only, grow in a very sheltered position in moist, humus-rich neutral to acid soil in full to part shade
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