Blechnum gibbum 'Silver Lady' - Miniature Tree Fern

This fern forms a trunk, meaning as it grows it'll start to look like a tree with a fountain of gorgeous ferny foliage at the top. The bright green leaves of this ferns will bring a splash of forest colour to your space, and they are happiest out of direct sun with soil that stays lightly moist. A slow-growing fern, over several years they can grow over 3ft (90cm) tall, with their fronds spreading a couple of feet wide - if you can keep your plant super happy indoors you can grow it into a real statement plant!

Scientific Name
Blechnum gibbum 'Silver Lady' (lumpy fern, cultivar: Silver Lady)

Some sources think this was reclassified in 2016 as Oceaniopteris gibba, however this isn't the accepted name in the taxonomy database.

Common Name
Silver Lady Fern, Dwarf Tree Fern, Miniature Tree Fern

Origin
This fern grows in forest understories in Fiji and the Pacific Islands.

Light
Indirect light is best, so keeping your fern near a north or east-facing window where it will get a good amount of light but not burn is ideal.

Water
Let the top third of the soil dry out between waters; this should let most of the soil stay moist without overwhelming the plant.

Humidity
Like most ferns, the Silver Lady loves humidity, so will benefit from the use of a pebble tray to increase local humidity. Keeping it in a bathroom or kitchen will also help here!

Soil
A soil with decent drainage which also retains plenty of moisture will work well here; look out for mixes designed for ferns. This plant will do best in ericaceous soil, meaning it prefers acidic or neutral soil.

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. A fertiliser designed for houseplants, with a water before applying, will be best for your plant.

Temperature
Ideal temperature is about 15-26°C; make sure it does not get colder than 12°C in winter.

Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!

Sprouts Top Tips
As with most ferns, the key here is moisture! Make sure this plant gets enough to drink, and that it is somewhere with above average humidity, and this should put you on the right track.