Volcano Dwarf Brazilian Tree Fern

Volcano Dwarf Brazilian Tree Fern (Blechnum brasiliense 'Volcano') is a fast growing fern that fills a shady bed with an arching fountain of deeply divided fronds. It reaches 1m to 1.5m tall and 50cm to 1m wide, and each new frond opens deep rust red before maturing to glossy dark green, like lava at the centre of a green volcano. It is a warm climate fern that repays a shaded, moist spot.

Why you'll love it

• Colour at the centre. New fronds emerge deep rust red and age to dark glossy green with bronze tones, so the middle of the plant is always showing something fresh.
• Fast growing. It fills out quickly for a fern, which helps a bare shady bed look established sooner.
• Compact for a tree fern. At 1m to 1.5m it brings a tree fern look to courtyards and garden beds without the height of the larger species.
• Tolerates wet feet. It copes with damp soil that rots many shade plants, so it suits low, moist corners.
• Flexible placement. It grows in shade beds, under taller plants, in containers and in bright indoor spaces.

Where it works best

Shade beds and underplanting. Plant 80cm apart beneath trees, palms and tall shrubs, where its arching fronds form a lush middle layer.

Tropical and subtropical gardens. With warmth and humidity it is at home among gingers, elephant ears and palms.

Containers and indoors. One fern in a large pot suits a covered verandah or a bright room away from heaters. Repot every two to three years to refresh the soil.

Growing Volcano Dwarf Brazilian Tree Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Shade to part shade, in a warm, humid spot sheltered from wind. It suits tropical and subtropical gardens best, because frost damages the fronds. In cooler regions grow it in a pot and move it under cover through winter.

Soil. Rich, moist, free draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Plant with the crown of the fern above the soil line, never buried. It tolerates wet feet, and mulch helps hold an even level of moisture.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. In dry spells water every second day, since ferns thrive in humid air. Apply slow release fertiliser in spring, then a liquid feed every four weeks through the warmer months at half the recommended strength to avoid burn.

Pruning. Remove old fronds as they brown to keep the plant fresh and cut the risk of disease. Repot container plants in the cooler months, while the fern is dormant.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Volcano Dwarf Brazilian Tree Fern as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, while the 140mm pots give you a more developed fern for faster impact.

Because the tubes come from our grower, they are not always on hand. A sold out tube simply means the grower has none right now, and the notify button on the page sends you an email the day it returns. Plants travel upright, and any bruised fronds can be trimmed at the base.

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

• Ferns for shady areas
• Growing ferns: light, humidity and placement
• Plants for tropical climates
• Plants for full shade

Common questions

Is it a true tree fern?

It is sold as a dwarf tree fern for its upright, fountain-like habit, but at 1m to 1.5m it stays far smaller than the big tree ferns, which makes it practical for courtyards and pots.

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes, in bright, indirect light and away from heaters and dry air. Water often and keep the mix evenly moist.

Why are the new fronds red?

That is the Volcano's signature. New fronds open deep rust red and darken to green as they mature, so a healthy plant keeps showing fresh red at the centre.