Centipede Fern

Centipede Fern (Blechnum orientale) is a large understorey fern with the lush look of a palm and none of the trunk. It grows to about 1.5m tall and 1.2m wide, with long, finely cut, arching fronds in deep green, and new fronds flush bronzy pink. It is made for shady, humid, tropical looking gardens and big pots.

Why you'll love it

• Jungle texture without a trunk. Long arching fronds give the full, layered look of a rainforest understorey at about shoulder height.
• Colour in the new growth. Fresh fronds unfurl bronzy pink before maturing to deep green, so the plant shifts colour through the warm months.
• Tough and tidy. It keeps a neat, vase shaped crown, and tidying amounts to snipping off old fronds.
• A native with a wide range. It grows naturally across India, China, south east Asia and the top end of Australia.
• Pot friendly. It performs in a large container or even indoors in bright, filtered light, so cooler gardens can bring it inside.

Where it works best

Tropical and subtropical beds. Plant 1m apart beneath trees or along a shaded fence for a continuous, arching understorey that fills the gaps between larger plants.

Under planting. It slips beneath canopy trees and palms, adding a lower layer of foliage in shade where little else will grow.

Containers and indoors. In cooler climates, grow it in a large pot and move it to shelter in winter. Indoors, choose bright filtered light and keep it away from cold draughts.

Growing Centipede Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Choose bright, filtered light, which keeps the leaf colour vibrant. It thrives in humidity and suits tropical and subtropical regions outdoors. Protect it from frost and cold draughts, and in cooler districts treat it as a container plant.

Soil. Plant carefully so that the crown of the fern sits above the soil line, in rich, moisture holding but free draining soil. Burying the crown invites rot.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until it is established, usually around 12 weeks, and keep it moist during dry periods. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring, and a liquid feed every four weeks in the warmer months, diluted to half the recommended dose to avoid burn.

Pruning. Remove old fronds as needed to keep the plant fresh and to reduce the risk of disease. Container plants should be repotted every two to three years in the cooler months.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Centipede Fern as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small fern with a handful of fronds, nowhere near its full height, and it needs a season or two of moisture and shade to build its crown. Plant it promptly, keep the root zone damp and be patient. Ferns reward steady care.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Growing ferns in Australia: light, humidity and placement
• More ferns for shady areas
• Palms, ferns and tropical plants
• Plants that suit indoor spaces

Common questions

How big will it get?

Plants can reach about 1.5m tall, roughly shoulder height, and 1.2m wide. Allow that room, and expect it to take a few seasons to reach full size from a tube.

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes, in bright filtered light, with steady moisture and some humidity. Keep it clear of cold draughts, and repot only every two to three years.

Will it tolerate frost?

No. Protect it from frost and cold air. In frosty districts grow it in a pot, and bring it indoors or under cover for winter.