Blechnum moorei - S

About the Blechnum moorei - S

Blechnum moorei is a tropical fern from New Caledonia with a clear distinction between sterile and fertile fronds. The sterile fronds provide the ornamental green foliage, while the fertile fronds carry much narrower pinnae. In size S, this fern is suitable for a sheltered, humid position indoors, in a greenhouse or as a container plant during warm, mild periods.

Characteristics

Origin: Blechnum moorei is endemic to New Caledonia, where it grows in dense, humid tropical forest.

Family: Blechnaceae, the hard-fern family.

Position: A warm, sheltered position in partial shade with high humidity. Indoors, choose a bright place away from harsh midday sun; outdoors, the plant is suitable only during warm, mild periods.

Height: Its eventual height in cultivation depends on warmth, humidity, root space and growing time. Size S is solely a commercial sales size and does not indicate mature dimensions.

Flowering period: This fern does not produce flowers. A sufficiently developed specimen may produce spores on separate fertile fronds; size S does not guarantee that these are already present.

Flower colour: Not applicable, because ferns do not produce flowers.

Hardiness: Not hardy. Keep the plant frost-free and, as a practical safety measure, protect size S when temperatures approach 10°C.

Soil type: A humus-rich, airy and well-drained fern substrate that retains moisture without remaining waterlogged for prolonged periods.

Care

Light: Provide bright, filtered light or partial shade and avoid harsh, direct midday sun.

Water: Keep the substrate evenly moist. Allow excess water to drain freely and avoid both complete drying and prolonged standing water.

Fertiliser: During active growth, apply a low dose of suitable fern fertiliser regularly and reduce feeding when growth slows.

Pruning: Remove only fully dried or damaged fronds at the base and avoid damaging the growing point.

Repotting: Repot when the roots have largely filled the available space. Choose a pot only slightly larger and ensure it has adequate drainage holes.

Humidity: Maintain high humidity together with gentle air circulation, away from cold or drying draughts.

Special features: Sterile and fertile fronds differ clearly in form. The very narrow pinnae of a fertile frond are a normal feature and not a sign of a care problem.