Water
Water regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, allowing the top inch to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
Also known as Southern Hard Fern
Southern Deer Fern (Blechnum australe) is a terrestrial fern native to South Africa, forming clumps of fronds.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers bright, indirect light.
60% intensity
Avoid direct sun.
Keep soil consistently moist.
70% intensity
Water more in summer, less in winter.
Requires well-draining, humus-rich soil. A mix of peat, compost, and sand is ideal.
50% intensity
Thrives in average room temperatures.
50% intensity
Ideal range 15-25°C.
Outdoor, Indoor, Greenhouse
50% intensity
Feed during growing season.
30% intensity
Use diluted balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic to pets and humans.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, allowing the top inch to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
Remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing fronds at the base of the plant. This encourages new growth and maintains a tidy appearance. Minimal pruning is usually required.
Easily propagated by dividing established clumps in spring. Spores can also be used, but this method is slower and requires specific conditions.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Spring is the ideal time.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Southern Deer Fern (Blechnum australe)
Where Southern Deer Fern (Blechnum australe) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Blechnaceae |
| Genus | Blechnum |
| Species | Blechnum australe |
Similar in genus Blechnum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
