Crown Fern Plant Care
Blechnum discolor (Forst.) Keyserl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lomaria discolor, synonym Blechnum discolor, commonly called crown fern, is a species of fern in the family Blechnaceae. This species is endemic to New Zealand.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Crown Fern?
Water Crown Fern 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 Crown Fern Native To?
What Is the Crown Fern?
Crown Fern (Blechnum discolor) belongs to the Blechnaceae family within the Blechnum genus. Crown Fern is native to a number of forest communities in diverse locations within New Zealand. Crown Fern is also known as Kiokio.
Crown Fern displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Crown Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Crown Fern?
Blechnum discolor 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 Crown Fern Need?
Crown Fern thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Crown Fern 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 Crown Fern Prefer?
Blechnum discolor grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Crown Fern 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 Crown Fern?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Crown Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Crown Fern?
Feed Crown Fern 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 Crown Fern?
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 Crown Fern?
Crown Fern 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 Crown Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Crown Fern, 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 Crown Fern?
Crown Fern 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 Crown Fern Need?
Crown Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Crown Fern is native to a number of forest communities in diverse locations within New Zealand.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Crown Fern 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.
Crown Fern 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 discolor (Forst.) Keyserl., family Blechnaceae (first published in Polyp. Herb. Bunge 66. 1873) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Crown Fern, 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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