Blechnum cordatum
Chilean hard fern
Description
Source: leafsnapParablechnum cordatum (synonyms Blechnum cordatum, Blechnum chilense), the Chilean hard fern or costilla de vaca (Chilean Spanish for "cow's rib"), is a fern of the family Blechnaceae, native to Chile. It is also found in neighboring areas of Argentina and the Juan Fernández Islands. It grows to 0.9–1.8 m (2 ft 11 in – 5 ft 11 in), often developing a trunk-like appearance over time. The fertile fronds are more erect, with narrower pinnae, than the infertile ones.This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Full shade
Parablechnum cordatum comes from habitats such as forest understories or rocky areas that provide natural shade. It prefers Full Shade but can tolerate Partial Sun.
🌡️ Temperature 15–37.8°C
Parablechnum cordatum grows in forest thickets. It is very sensitive to temperature and humidity; high heat, dry conditions, and strong sunlight all make the plant uncomfortable. In summer it needs adequate shading and a humid environment. Generally it does not need special care in winter, but prolonged winter drought can still kill the plant.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Fern
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Blechnum
- Family
- Aspleniaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-11
- Mature Height
- 1.52 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.44 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Native Area
- Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador