Fern Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano'

Description

Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano' is a highly decorative tropical fern appreciated for its upright habit, long glossy fronds and especially its young shoots displaying bronze, copper to reddish tones. Its graphic foliage and dense silhouette give it the appearance of a miniature tree fern, making it ideal for creating a lush tropical atmosphere in a greenhouse, large humid terrarium, paludarium or indoor planted display.

Botanical family

Blechnaceae

Genus

Blechnum

Species / Cultivar

Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano'

Origin

Blechnum brasiliense is native to South America, mainly Brazil and neighbouring subtropical regions. In its natural habitat, this fern grows in humid forest environments, on soils rich in organic matter that remain fresh and regularly supplied with moisture.

Foliage

The foliage of Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano' consists of long, pinnate, glossy and slightly arching fronds. The cultivar 'Volcano' is particularly distinctive for its young fronds, which emerge in shades of bronze, copper-red to orange before gradually turning dark green as they mature.

This contrast between the coloured young growth and the mature foliage gives the plant strong ornamental value and makes it an excellent focal point in planted compositions.

Growth habit and development

This fern develops an upright habit in the form of a dense rosette. With age, the base of the plant may gradually form a short trunk or stipe, reinforcing its miniature tree-fern appearance.

Under good growing conditions, Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano' can become an imposing plant and develop long fronds. It is therefore preferable to provide sufficient space around the plant when installing it.

Cultivation

Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano' appreciates bright indirect light, high atmospheric humidity and a rich substrate that remains consistently fresh. Mild and stable temperatures encourage regular production of new fronds and help maintain the intensity of the coloured young growth.

Avoid intense direct sunlight, which can damage the foliage, as well as prolonged drying of the substrate.

Terrarium compatibility

• Humid tropical terrarium: Yes, large volume
• Paludarium: Yes
• Tropical vivarium: Yes
• Nano terrarium: No
• Indoor cultivation: Yes
• Tropical greenhouse: Yes

Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano' is particularly well suited to large terrariums and paludariums offering enough height and width for the natural development of its fronds.

It can be used as a central feature or background plant to quickly add height, volume and strong visual impact.

Recommended substrate

Use a tropical substrate rich in organic matter, fresh yet well draining, composed for example of coco fibre, fine bark, plant compost, perlite, volcanic rock and a small proportion of sphagnum moss.

The mixture should retain regular moisture while avoiding compaction and stagnant water around the roots.

Watering

Keep the substrate slightly to consistently moist with regular watering using soft or low-limescale water. Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano' does not tolerate prolonged periods of drought well.

However, avoid keeping the roots permanently waterlogged and use a properly drained pot or substrate.

Humidity

This fern appreciates humidity levels between 70% and 90%. A humid atmosphere promotes proper unfolding of new fronds and helps prevent their tips from drying out.

Good air circulation remains recommended, especially in terrariums, to avoid permanent condensation and overly stagnant conditions.

Temperature

Ideal growing temperature: 18°C to 26°C. Avoid prolonged temperatures below 15°C as well as high temperatures combined with dry air.

Growth

Moderate growth. Under favourable growing conditions, the plant regularly produces new fronds from the centre of the rosette.

At maturity, Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano' can reach approximately 80 to 150 cm in height, depending on its environment, light level, humidity and available space.

Current size

Plant supplied in a 12 cm diameter pot, with a total height of approximately 30 to 35 cm. The exact size, number of fronds and intensity of the copper tones may vary slightly depending on the individual plant, season and shipment.

Maintenance

Remove old, yellowing or damaged fronds at their base using clean and disinfected tools. Maintain consistent substrate moisture and gently clean the foliage when necessary.

Avoid placing the plant directly next to a heat source, radiator or dry draught.

Fertilisation

Apply a balanced fertiliser for green plants or ferns at a low concentration every three to four weeks during the growing period.

Reduce feeding during periods of slower growth and avoid excessive concentrations, which may damage the roots.

Propagation

Blechnum brasiliense is mainly propagated from spores. This method is relatively slow and requires high humidity together with clean and stable growing conditions.

Toxicity

Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano' is not generally considered a highly toxic plant. Nevertheless, ingestion should be avoided and compatibility should be checked with any animal species housed in a terrarium or vivarium.

Why choose Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano'?

Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano' is an original tropical fern distinguished by its copper to reddish new fronds and its growth habit resembling a miniature tree fern. It immediately adds height, volume and a true tropical atmosphere to large terrariums, paludariums and planted displays.

JungleBox advice

Place your Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano' in a bright area protected from direct sunlight, with a rich substrate that remains consistently fresh. Position it preferably in the background or as a central feature, leaving sufficient room for the new fronds to develop.

Combine it with mosses, Selaginella, small Aroids and other tropical ferns to create a dense and natural-looking display.

Additional information

• Botanical name: Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano'
• Family: Blechnaceae
• Origin: South America, mainly Brazil
• Type: Terrestrial tropical fern
• Foliage: Glossy green, young fronds bronze to copper-red
• Growth habit: Upright rosette, may form a short stipe
• Exposure: Bright indirect light
• Watering: Regular
• Humidity: High
• Temperature: 18 to 26°C
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Mature height: Approximately 80 to 150 cm
• Pot size: 12 cm diameter
• Size at sale: Approximately 30 to 35 cm
• Terrarium compatible: Yes, large volume
• Paludarium compatible: Yes
• Nano terrarium compatible: No
• Indoor cultivation: Yes