Photo: Rudolph89CC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Parablechnum novae-zelandiae Plant Care
Blechnum novae-zelandiae T.C.Chambers & P.A.Farrant
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Parablechnum novae-zelandiae, synonym Blechnum novae-zelandiae, commonly known as palm-leaf fern or kiokio, is a species of fern found in New Zealand. It can often be found growing in clay soil on embankments and roadsides.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Parablechnum novae-zelandiae?
Water Parablechnum novae-zelandiae every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Parablechnum novae-zelandiae Native To?
What Is the Parablechnum novae-zelandiae?
Parablechnum novae-zelandiae (Blechnum novae-zelandiae) belongs to the Blechnaceae family within the Blechnum genus. Parablechnum novae-zelandiae is native to New Zealand.
Parablechnum novae-zelandiae displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Parablechnum novae-zelandiae produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Parablechnum novae-zelandiae?
Blechnum novae-zelandiae requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Parablechnum novae-zelandiae Need?
Parablechnum novae-zelandiae thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Parablechnum novae-zelandiae in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Parablechnum novae-zelandiae Prefer?
Blechnum novae-zelandiae grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Parablechnum novae-zelandiae prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Parablechnum novae-zelandiae?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Parablechnum novae-zelandiae to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Parablechnum novae-zelandiae?
Feed Parablechnum novae-zelandiae every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Parablechnum novae-zelandiae?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Parablechnum novae-zelandiae?
Parablechnum novae-zelandiae can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to blechnum castaneum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Parablechnum novae-zelandiae Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Parablechnum novae-zelandiae, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Parablechnum novae-zelandiae?
Parablechnum novae-zelandiae is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Parablechnum novae-zelandiae Need?
Parablechnum novae-zelandiae grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Parablechnum novae-zelandiae is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Parablechnum novae-zelandiae as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Parablechnum novae-zelandiae is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Blechnum genus — compare its care with other Blechnum species on PlantoScan.
Blechnum is part of the Blechnaceae plant family — browse all Blechnaceae genera and species.
Parablechnum novae-zelandiae copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Blechnum Species
Other Blechnum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Blechnum novae-zelandiae T.C.Chambers & P.A.Farrant, family Blechnaceae (first published in New Zealand J. Bot. 36(1): 8. 1998) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Parablechnum novae-zelandiae, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Rudolph89, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Parablechnum novae-zelandiae Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species