Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Blechnum occidentale or Hammock fern

The genus Blechnum, family Blechnaceae, includes 200 species of ferns native to all continents. Some species are: Blechnum occidentale, Blechnum gibbum, Blechnum brasiliense, Blechnum orientale, Blechnum spicant.

Common name: Hammock fern. This species is distributed throughout Mexico, Central and South America.

Blechnum occidentale is an evergreen fern with rhizomatous roots that reaches 45 cm (17.71") in height. The leathery leaves up to 45 cm (17.71") long have 12-28 segments; the new leaves are pink and later become a beautiful bright green. It does not produce flowers.

Hammock fern is used in undergrowth, to cover shady areas of the garden and in pots for patios and terraces. It's ideal for coastal gardens.

Blechnum Occidentale prefers shade exposure but also grows in semi-shade avoiding direct sun in the central hours of the day. It resists frosts up to (-6 ºC) 20 ºF.

The soil must be well drained and contain abundant organic matter.

Water frequently so that the substrate never dries out completely. It does not resist drought.

Fertilize with humus or compost at the end of winter; Hammock fern appreciates that the soil contains leaf litter.

Prune the oldest leaves at the end of winter to encourage the appearance of new leaves.

This plant does not usually present serious pest and disease problems if it does not suffer from drought.

Hammock fern is propagated by division in early spring.

Images of the plant Blechnum occidentale or Hammock fern