Only pass on a torso height of 3 feet at adulthood , the dwarf tree fern ( Blechnum gibbum ) is an evergreen tropic fern with many feather - like fronds in a rounded tussock . A non - flowering plant in the tough fern family , Blechnaceae , it reproduces by spore on the undersides of fertile leaves .

Light

This fern species does best when shielded from direct sun rays . As a houseplant , place it in a brightly lit room with collateral light , just out of the reach of lineal Lord’s Day 3 to 7 feet away from windows . outside , mottled shade , as detect under the branches of large shade trees , is best . One or two hour of unmediated sunlight only at sunrise or sundown is fine .

Soil

Loving robust , fertile soil , dwarf tree fern should be planted in a well - draining soil that is moist . An all - intent potting mixture is good for houseplant specimens , whereas outdoor works prosper in a loam or sandy , acidic soil ( pH 5.0 to 7.0 ) that is rich in constitutional affair like compost or peat .

Watering

The dirt should stay on consistently moist during the warmth of the growing time of year , from spring to fall . Since the soil should be well - enfeeble , program of 1 to 3 column inch of weewee weekly suffices . In winter , when illumination is less vivid and temperature cooler , watering should be diminish to 1 inch every five to 10 days . Over - watering causes bronze - tinted leaf .

Cold Hardiness

A tropic works native to the islands of the South Pacific , such as Fiji , the gnome tree fern must not be disclose to subfreezing temperature . It handles light frosts , but expect fronds to be damaged from the frigidness by turning John Brown . This species is appropriate for growing in USDA zones 10 and warm , although some gardeners in the warmest sections of zone 9 will have success .

Maintenance Tips

As frond white-livered across the yr , use a pruners or scissors to clip them away where the stems cope with the main bole . calculate under fronds on occasion to supervise for any pests , particularly scale louse or clean mealybugs . Wipe off these cuss with a damp textile and splash them . employ a liquid fertiliser ( 10 - 10 - 10 , for example ) at one - one-half the commend dose on the product recording label only during the spring and summer months . debar fertilizing in late fall and wintertime .

Those dwarf tree ferns grown as houseplants benefit from increased ambient humidity , accomplished by coiffe the plant ’s pot on a tray of gravel filled with water . Avoid set this fern in a drying draft copy from heating or airwave conditioning vents .

References

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