Overview

Blechnum filiforme is a columnar upright ferns in the genus Blechnum, part of the Blechnaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Blechnum filiforme grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include houseplants, patio and container plants, sub-tropical and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Blechnum filiforme, commonly known as thread fern, is an evergreen fern cultivar with a columnar upright habit. As a member of the Blechnum genus, it features simple pinnate fronds, with fertile fronds standing upright. This fern thrives in partial shade, ideally in north- or east-facing, sheltered positions, and prefers moist but well-drained, acid loam soil rich in humus. Suitable for growing as a houseplant or in conservatories and patios, it is hardy to H1b and is best propagated by spores in summer or division. Its season of interest spans spring and summer.

About the genus

Blechnum, known as hard fern, is a genus of ferns in the family Blechnaceae, subfamily Blechnoideae, according to the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016. Two very different circumscriptions of the genus are used by different authors. In the PPG I system, based on Gasper et al.

Wikipedia contributors, "Blechnum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Blechnum

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Blechnum

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Acid

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

North-facing or East-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1b

Plant details

Blechnum filiforme size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Ferns, Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Conservatory and greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Blechnum filiforme

Propagation

Spores in summer, division

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions