This week’s plant profile is the ‘Silver Lady’ Blechnum gibbum (Dwarf Tree Fern)…
There’s something so peaceful and relaxing about having plants inside your home. I love the look of plants tucked into the corners of a room, displayed on coffee tables and kitchen counters, and gracing bathroom vanities.
Plants help a room feel grounded.
I especially love unique plants. Plants that act as conversation starters, and not something you see everywhere you go.
I’m always on the look-out for unique plants, and with this new series on my blog, I’ll share my latest finds with you. Here’s the latest find…
‘Silver Lady’ Blechnum gibbum (Dwarf Tree Fern)
This gorgeous plant grows upright with a ‘trunk-like’ center. It’s great for growing in a pot.
About the Plant
The Blechnum gibbum, also known as a ‘Silver Lady’ is a unique plant. The new fronds start from the center and are a much lighter green than the older fronds. These new fronds also have slight black strips on their backs when they first appear.
This plant is an evergreen that doesn’t go dormant or lose its leaves. It prefers hot, humid temperatures, but is hardy to 30-degrees F.
LIGHT
The ‘Silver Lady’ prefers shade to partial shade. It does not like direct sun – where the leaves will burn.
WATER AND SOIL
Like most fern, this plant likes to remain moist, but not soggy. Water when the top of the soil is dry, and make sure the plant is potted in a very well-draining, light soil. Indoors, you will probably need to water this plant 2-3 times per week. Avoid using hard water with this plant – rain water or distilled water is best.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely. If you see brown or black marks on the leaves, the plant is getting too much water. NOTE: Browning on the outer edges of the leaves is due to cold. This plant is a tropical plant and doesn’t like the cold.
It is best not to water the foliage of this plant.
GROWTH AND HUMIDITY
The Blechnum gibbum grows fairly quick. It can grow to 3-4 feet tall and up to 3-feet in diameter. As a dwarf tree fern, the plant will develop a small trunk as it ages. The trunk is sort of scaly and black and also provides visual interest. Because it grows upright (kind of like a palm tree), it can be brought indoors during the Winter, and won’t take up as much floor space as other plants. This plant does enjoy a half-strength fertilizer once a month. Like most ferns, this plant prefers warm, humid environments for best growth. TIP: When caring for this plant indoors, place it on top a pebble tray of water to increase the humidity around the plant.
There is no need to prune this plant, but any dead or damaged fronds can be cut as needed without harming the plant.
When you see roots on the surface of the soil, repot the fern in a new, larger pot.
NATIVE HABITAT
This plant is native to the South Pacific.
TOXICITY
The ‘Silver Lady’ is not toxic to pets or humans.
PROPAGATION
The ‘Silver Lady’ is dimorphic – having both sterile and fertile fronds on the same plant. You can tell the difference between the fronds, as the fertile fronds are more narrow than the sterile fronds. Spores will appear on the underside of the leaves, and are how the fern reproduces.
Why I Love It
While I love the look of ferns, I generally don’t keep them as houseplants because they are so messy. But this fern is not messy (like a Boston Fern), and it makes an excellent patio plant in the Spring through Fall months.
I love the unique, upright shape of this fern, and I enjoy watching the new fronds unfurl. When placed around our patio, these ferns give a tropical vibe to the patio. This plant provides visual interest and texture to our landscaping, and is definitely a conversation starter.
Where to Buy
You can purchase this plant at Proven Winners Direct for $19.99 in a 4-1/2″-inch pot.
If you have more suggestions for unique or unusual plants, please leave a comment below.
Click Houseplant Visual Index for a visual list of all my recommended houseplants.
For more unusual houseplants, visit my “Plants – Unusual and Unique” Pinterest board at
And for even more house plant ideas, visit my “Plants – Garden Room Decor” Pinterest board at
