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Blechnum gibbum [ BLEK - num , GIB - bum ] is a hard fern belonging to the class Blechnaceae .
Native to Pacific Islands , Fiji , and New Caledonia , Blechnum gibbumgrows as a small tree in tropical and subtropical clime .
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It is also a widely grownfern houseplant .
You may hear it by its vernacular name calling , including :
Silver Lady Fern Quick Care Tips
Blechnum Gibbum Care
Size and Growth
As mentioned above , this gnome tree diagram - type fern has an vertical growth drug abuse that strain up to 3 ’ – 4 ’ groundwork in superlative and sport a symmetrical frond rosette over a slender , black , scaly proboscis .
Some refer to them as nanus Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree fern .
It grows relatively faster than most other tree fern types , get laid for its slow growth . It is see growing as an understory works in forested areas .
The fronds of the plant are comprised of bright green - colored and slightly flag folder of two type – spore - bearing and unimaginative .
Flowering and Fragrance
Being a fern , it does not produce flowers .
Light and Temperature
Blechnum prefers promising light requirement with fond shade and a slightly warm temperature .
However , it can not survive in strong lineal sunshine .
The plant involve high humidness during its growth menses from mid - spring through late fall .
Place the potbelly over a tray fill with moist pebbles throughout the warm season to maintain the humidity degree .
While the plant may regrow even if it gets freeze due to exposure to frost , it is not considered a hoarfrost - resistant plant and should be protected from it .
Watering and Feeding
Just like most other fern , Silver Lady grows good in dampish soils .
Water it frequently during the warmer months to keep the potting mixture moist , which will ensure proper growth .
Make certain to irrigate once the top in of the dirt is dry to the touch .
Slightly reduce watering when the temperature fall below 54 ° degrees Fahrenheit ( 12 ° blow ) and have the topmost bed of pot soil ironical out between waterings .
ensure not to overwater because it will cause root buncombe , rotten rootstalk , and yellowed frond .
forefend water from overhead , as the foliage can get damaged if it stays wet for an extended prison term .
irrigate the industrial plant once a week in wintertime . piss more oftentimes during summer .
Another significant thing to hump is Blechnum is illiberal of lime , so do not use hard water on the plant life .
If you live in an area where heavy body of water is supplied , using purified water or rain for the plant is recommended .
However , if it is n’t potential either , then total a few drop of lemon succus to the water before giving it to the silver dame plant .
Apply a half - strength fluid fertilizer once a month during the fighting maturate season .
When grown indoors , summate a tiresome - release fertilizer once in spring and summer .
Soil and Transplanting
Blechnum Gibbum ‘ Silver Lady ’ thrive in compost - enrich , moist , and slightly acidulent , well - enfeeble stain .
Moreover , insure there is plenty of organic matter , admit peat moss , shredded parting , or coco coir .
It ’s urge for USA hardiness zone 10 . Mulch the surface of the stain to keep the roots moist and nerveless .
As a container plant , repot into a big pot when the roots start to amount out on the raft ’s Earth’s surface , about once every two years .
Use foliage mold and soil - based potting variety in adequate quantities for repotting .
other spring is the best clock time to repot .
Grooming and Maintenance
Blechnum gibbum is an easy - to - grow and depleted - care plant .
Just withdraw the browning frond by trimming them off from the root , as they diminish the aesthetic appeal of the plant .
Spring is the best time for greening , pruning , or major trimming .
How To Propagate Blechnum Silver Lady Fern?
Blechnum is propagated through spores and takes between 1 – 3 month to germinate .
Here ’s what you need to do for this type of propagation :
Rarely , the plant produces basal offsets , cut them off from the parent and plant separately .
Tree Fern Silver Lady Pest or Diseases
While the silver lady fern plants are not highly prostrate to pests and diseases , they can sometimes get attacked byaphids , mealy bug , type slug and snail , caterpillars , and plant scales .
wipe the folio with a slightly dampish fabric helps keep these pests away from the works .
But , even if it gets affected by them , it ’s easily treated with insecticides .
Overwatering and lack of ventilation can cause the fronds to turn chocolate-brown or bronze .
The plant life can only recover from water damage if treat immediately .
Uses for Dwarf Tree Fern
Blechnum is a beautiful addition to garden , terrace , pergolas , bench , and courtyards .
Whether develop in the basis or as a potted plant , fluent lady serve as a fantastic focal plant life .
The plant ’s root system is also used to produce substratum for growing orchids .
