Perfect for creating cool, green rainforest-inspired landscapes
The Fishbone Water Fern has Green Arching Fronds which can reach 1M in length. Great Tropical Plant Idea for Decks. Grows 1M x 1M
Blechnum nudum – Fishbone Water Fern 🌿💧
Blechnum nudum, commonly known as the Fishbone Water Fern, is a hardy, moisture-loving fern that thrives in shaded, wet environments. It is recognized for its lush, arching fronds and ability to tolerate both wet and drier conditions once established. This Australian native fern is ideal for rainforests, bog gardens, shaded landscapes, and indoor terrariums.
🌱 General Information:
- Family: Blechnaceae
- Genus: Blechnum
- Common Names: Fishbone Water Fern, Swamp Water Fern, Naked Water Fern
- Native Region: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea
- Growth Habit: Clump-forming, semi-evergreen fern
🌞 Growing Conditions:
- Light: Prefers partial shade to full shade
- Soil:
- Moist, well-draining soil (loamy, peaty, or slightly acidic)
- Can tolerate wet conditions but dislikes prolonged drought
- Watering:
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Prefers humid conditions
- Temperature:
- Tolerates cooler temperatures but is not frost-hardy
- Humidity: Prefers high humidity (great for rainforest gardens and terrariums)
🌿 Foliage & Growth:
- Fronds:
- Long, glossy, bright green fronds with a distinctive fishbone pattern
- New growth emerges reddish-bronze before turning green
- Size:
- Grows up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall and spreads over time
- Evergreen or Deciduous?
- Evergreen in warm climates, but may die back in cooler regions
✂️ Care & Maintenance:
- Pruning:
- Remove older or damaged fronds to encourage fresh growth
- Fertilizing:
- Use a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in spring/summer
- Mulch well to retain moisture and improve soil health
- Pests/Diseases:
- Generally pest-resistant, but can develop fungal issues in overly damp conditions
- Watch for snails and slugs, which may nibble on tender fronds
- Propagation:
- Best propagated by division in early spring
- Can be grown from spores, but this is a slow process
🏡 Uses & Benefits:
✅ Shaded Garden Feature: Adds a lush, tropical look to shaded gardens
✅ Rain Gardens & Wetlands: Thrives in moist, boggy areas
✅ Container & Indoor Plant: Perfect for terrariums and humid spaces
✅ Erosion Control: Helps stabilize banks and wet areas
✅ Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs! 🐾
Bring lush native beauty to every shaded garden
To keep your Fishbone Water Fern thriving, water consistently, provide rich soil, and protect it from direct sunlight. If growing indoors, place it in a bathroom or use a humidity tray for best results!
