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Description
Blechnum Australe, commonly known as the Crown Fern, is a fern species native to Australia and New Zealand. It belongs to the family Blechnaceae and is characterized by its long fronds, which can reach up to 1 meter in height. The fronds are bright green in color and have a leathery texture. The Crown Fern is an evergreen plant that can grow in both sun and shade, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Blechnaceae |
| Genus | Blechnum |
Appearance
The Crown Fern has long, arching fronds that can reach up to 1 meter in height. The fronds are bright green in color and have a leathery texture. The leaves are pinnate and can have up to 60 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oblong in shape and have a serrated margin. The Crown Fern is an evergreen plant that can grow in both sun and shade. The plant produces spores on the underside of the fronds, which can be used for propagation.
Care Guide
The Crown Fern is a relatively low maintenance plant that thrives in a moist, well-draining soil. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate some sun. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The Crown Fern is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Crown Fern is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. These pests can be treated with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. The Crown Fern can also be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Habitat
The Crown Fern is native to Australia and New Zealand, where it grows in moist, shaded areas such as forests and along stream banks. It can also be found in other parts of the world, including the United States and Europe, where it is grown as an ornamental plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Crown Fern be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the Crown Fern can be grown indoors in a bright, humid location.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Crown Fern?
A: The Crown Fern should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is the Crown Fern drought tolerant?
A: No, the Crown Fern prefers consistently moist soil and is not drought tolerant.
Q: Can I propagate the Crown Fern from spores?
A: Yes, the Crown Fern can be propagated from spores collected from the underside of the fronds.
Related Plants
- Blechnum chilense
- Blechnum gibbum
- Blechnum penna-marina
- Blechnum spicant
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/crown-ferns/growing-crown-ferns.htm
- https://www.thespruce.com/crown-fern-plant-profile-4770887
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blechnum_australe
