Dwarf Brazilian tree fern 'Volcano' Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano'

Water

Brazilian Dwarf Tree Fern should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not water-logged. Generally, this means watering once or twice a week, but this can vary based on temperature and humidity. During the growing season, you might need to water more frequently. Each watering session should provide enough water to moisten the soil thoroughly—about 1 to 2 gallons depending on pot size and environmental conditions. In winter, reduce watering to prevent root rot but do not allow the soil to completely dry out.

Light

Brazilian Dwarf Tree Fern thrives in partial shade to dappled sunlight. It should be placed in a location that receives indirect light with some protection from the intense afternoon sun. A north or east-facing window would be an ideal spot for the plant indoors, while outdoors, light shade under taller trees or a pergola can provide the right light conditions.

Temperature

The Brazilian Dwarf Tree Fern prefers temperatures between 60°F and 80°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F, but frost or temperatures below this can severely damage or kill the plant. It's not cold-hardy, so if grown outside in cooler climates, the fern should be brought indoors or provided with protection when temperatures approach the lower limit.

Pruning

The Brazilian Dwarf Tree Fern does not require extensive pruning. Remove dead or yellowing fronds as necessary to keep the plant looking tidy and to allow for new growth. The best time to prune is in the spring or early summer when the plant is entering its active growing phase. Pruning can be done as often as needed to maintain the plant's appearance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Brazilian Dwarf Tree Fern thrives in well-draining, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of two parts peat or coco coir, one part perlite, and one part pine bark would be ideal for its growth.

Repotting

The Brazilian Dwarf Tree Fern should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish its soil and accommodate its growing root system. Choose a pot slightly larger than the previous one to ensure adequate space for growth.

Humidity & Misting

The Brazilian Dwarf Tree Fern prefers high humidity, ideally between 60% to 80%. If grown indoors, maintaining this humidity level will help replicate its natural rainforest habitat.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light, high humidity, and keep the soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Part shade, protect from strong winds, mulch, and keep soil moist.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

As a fern, Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano', commonly known as Brazilian Dwarf Tree Fern or Volcano Fern, begins its life cycle when mature fronds release spores from underside sporangia, transporting potential for new growth. The spores germinate under ideal moisture conditions to develop into a small, heart-shaped gametophyte called a prothallus, which contains both male and female reproductive organs. Upon fertilization, the prothallus gives rise to a young sporophytic plant, which is the typical fern plant we recognize. The Volcano Fern then grows from this juvenile phase, developing a short trunk with a rosette of red-tinted fronds that mature to a deep green, adding to its ornamental appeal. As it matures, the plant continues to produce new fronds from the center of the rosette, while older fronds at the bottom may die back. This cycle of growth and reproduction can continue for several years, as the fern gradually increases in size and forms a more pronounced trunk with age.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano,' commonly known as Brazilian Dwarf Tree Fern, is typically propagated by spores, as this method is most popular among ferns. Propagation is ideally done in the spring or summer when temperatures are consistently warm, facilitating spore germination and growth. To propagate by spores, one must carefully collect the spores from the underside of mature fronds where the spore cases, or sori, are located. These spores are then sown on the surface of a moist, sterile potting mix, often kept in a humid environment such as a greenhouse or under a transparent cover to maintain high humidity levels. It can take several weeks to months for spores to germinate and eventually grow into new fern plants. This method requires patience and attention to moisture and temperature to ensure successful propagation.