The Dwarf Tree Fern ( Blechnum gibbum ) is a beautiful little fern that is a great addition to an outdoor fernery or as an indoor plant. It is a sub-tropical and tropical evergreen plant native to Fiji but will grow in temperate areas too if it is in the right location. This species is very neat, tidy, and symmetrical in its growth and as its common name implies; is a smaller more compact fern than most.
Blechnum gibbum’s small stature is what makes it popular as an indoor potted plant or feature plant in an outdoor patio area. Unlike most other fern species, it is also quite fast growing. Another common name for this species is Miniature Tree Fern.
Growth
The trunk of the Dwarf Tree Fern grows to approximately 90 cm’s tall and its bright green fronds can grow to a similar length. The healthy plant has a very symmetrical appearance, as its lower fronds droop slightly, while its higher fronds grow more upright, making it full and lush looking.
Dwarf Tree Fern is an understory plant and its conditions in your home or garden need to replicate this for it to thrive. A shaded spot either in a fernery type location, under a patio or under the shade of other larger trees is best. It does not like full sunlight and if placed in these conditions; its gorgeous fronds will burn and die off. This species can survive well in temperate zones outdoors if in a position protected from frost and cold winds; again, keeping its natural habitat in mind, where it is protected by larger canopy trees.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Blechnaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 35°C / 41 to 95°F (Will tolerate to 0°C/32°F if it is in a location protected from frost and cold winds)
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, moist peat to loam soil
LOCATION:
Full Shade preferred.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.2 metres (4 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 90 cm’s (3 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Spores form on the underside of the fronds, which have both male and female organisms present.
MATURITY:
2-5 years
GERMINATION RATES:
70-82%
GERMINATION TIME:
Germination process will usually begin around 2-6 weeks; however it may be many months before they start to look like little ferns.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium, long process.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Too many to count – well into the hundreds of thousands.
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT BLECHNUM GIBBUM
Although it is not frost tolerant and its fronds may freeze and die away in those conditions, the Dwarf Tree Fern’s fronds will generally begin to grow back once the weather improves in spring.
Blechnum gibbum has air purifying qualities as an indoor plant and will grow in low light spots unlike many other species that are commonly kept as houseplants.
The Dwarf Tree Fern has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s; Award of Garden Merit.
This species has another synonym that is a little more of a mouthful; Oceaniopteris gibba.
