Kiokio Plant Care
Blechnum procerum Sw.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Parablechnum procerum, synonym Blechnum procerum, commonly known as mountain kiokio or small kiokio, is a species of fern found in New Zealand. It is found from lowland to alpine areas among forest, scrub and tussock.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Kiokio?
Water Kiokio 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 Kiokio Native To?
What Is the Kiokio?
Kiokio (Blechnum procerum) belongs to the Blechnaceae family within the Blechnum genus. Kiokio is native to New Zealand. Kiokio is also known as Crown Fern.
Kiokio displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Kiokio produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kiokio?
Blechnum procerum 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 Kiokio Need?
Kiokio thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Kiokio 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 Kiokio Prefer?
Blechnum procerum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Kiokio 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 Kiokio?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Kiokio to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kiokio?
Feed Kiokio 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 Kiokio?
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 Kiokio?
Kiokio 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 Kiokio Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kiokio, 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 Kiokio?
Kiokio 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 Kiokio Need?
Kiokio grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Kiokio is native to New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Kiokio 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.
Kiokio 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 procerum Sw., family Blechnaceae (first published in J. Bot. (Schrader) 1800(2): 75. 1801) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kiokio, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
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