If you a looking for dwarf tree fern, Blechnum gibbum or ‘Silver Lady Fern’ could well be it. Used mainly as houseplant outside its native habitat it can be successfully grown in the garden in frost free areas. Unlike other tree ferns this dwarf variety is reasonably fast growing and the fronds will spread to over a metre in good conditions.
This plant is delivered with a stunning ELHO white plastic pot. Once the fern is removed from its protective bag it can be simply dropped inside the pot and it provides an instant indoor garden.
- Bright indirect light
- Frost tender
- Indoor plant
- Pet safe
- Boxed nationwideCouriered anywhere in NZ
- Your messageOn a printed gift card
- 100% NZ ownedOwned, operated and grown here
Why It's A Great Gift
Graceful, arching fronds on a charming miniature trunk
Blechnum ‘Silver Lady’, often called the dwarf tree fern, forms a neat, symmetrical crown of bright green, arching fronds, like a shuttlecock. As it matures, it slowly builds a short, dark trunk, giving it the look of a tree fern in miniature.
It brings a lush, tropical feel to a bright bathroom, living room or office, and also grows well outdoors in a sheltered, shady, frost-free spot or patio pot. An elegant, easy-going gift for a new home, a fern lover or anyone wanting to brighten a shady corner.
Care at a glance
Lush, leafy and easy going
Bright, filtered light, steady moisture and a little extra humidity help this fern thrive. Here is what it needs.
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Light
Bright indirect light
Indoors, choose a bright spot out of direct sun. Outdoors, it thrives in shade or filtered light, such as under established trees. Direct sun can scorch the fronds.
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Water
Keep evenly moist
Keep the mix moist but never soggy while it is growing, and water a little less in winter. Water the soil rather than the fronds, and never leave it sitting in water.
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Climate
Frost tender
Keep indoors, or outdoors only in a warm, sheltered, frost-free spot. Protect it from cold winds and draughts.
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Soil
Potting mix
A compost-rich, slightly acidic, free-draining mix holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. Mulch outdoors to keep the roots cool and moist.
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Size
Around 1m tall
Grows to around 1m tall and wide, forming a short trunk with age. Simply trim away old, brown fronds at the base.
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Pets
Pet safe
Blechnum ferns are not known to be toxic to cats and dogs, though, as with any plant, chewing may cause a mild upset tummy.
Blechnum gibbum ‘Silver Lady’, the dwarf tree fern, named for its graceful, tree fern-like form.
Origins
Blechnum gibbum comes from New Caledonia and the islands of the South Pacific, including Fiji, where it grows beneath the forest canopy in warm, humid, filtered light. Botanists now list it as Oceaniopteris gibba, but gardeners still know it as Blechnum or the dwarf tree fern.
Unlike most tree ferns, it grows fairly quickly and stays compact, and it has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It is a cousin of our own native Blechnum ferns, such as kiokio and crown fern.
Questions
Something else? Get in touch, we're happy to help.
Is a Fern Blechnum Silver Lady easy to care for?
Yes. Give it bright, filtered light, keep the mix evenly moist and trim off any old fronds at the base. It enjoys extra humidity, especially indoors.
How much light does a Fern Blechnum Silver Lady need?
Bright, indirect light is best indoors. Outdoors, choose a shady or partly shaded spot. Keep it out of direct sun, which can scorch the fronds.
How often should I water a Fern Blechnum Silver Lady?
Water regularly to keep the mix moist but not wet, especially in spring and summer, and water a little less in winter. It dislikes lime, so rainwater is ideal. Never let the pot sit in water, as this can cause root rot.
Does a Fern Blechnum Silver Lady need warmth/humidity?
Yes. It likes warm rooms, ideally around 18 - 27°C, and should be protected from frost and cold draughts. It loves humidity, so a bathroom, grouping plants or a tray of damp pebbles helps keep the fronds lush.
Is a Fern Blechnum Silver Lady safe for pets?
Blechnum ferns are not known to be toxic to cats and dogs. Even so, it is best to discourage pets from chewing the fronds.
What people say
5.0 from 2 reviews
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Ideal mothers day gift rather than flowers that get binned a week later.
PlantParentNZ · -
Perfect fern as a gift.
GardenGnome22 ·
Delivery times
North Island
We aim to deliver orders received by 10am (Monday to Friday) to main North Island centres the next working day. Add 1-2 days for rural deliveries and outlying towns, as the courier may not deliver daily.
South Island
Deliveries to South Island main centres take 2-3 working days if received before 10am, plus 1-2 days for rural deliveries and outlying towns, as the courier may not deliver daily.
General
We are also unable to arrange delivery on weekends.
We will do our best to deliver on days specified, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee.
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