This group of Ferns is found in Brazil, the West Indies, and other warm and temperate countries. Some types have dwarf, tufted growth, while others grow up to 4 feet high. Those found in subtropical climates need a minimum temperature of 50 degrees and those from tropical countries need a minimum temperature of 60 degrees. Blechnum tabulare grows from 1 to 3 feet high with a spread of 1 or 2 feet. Its dark green fronds are evergreen or semi-evergreen. The outside fronds are oval and sterile, divided into paired, lance-shaped segments. The inner fronds are erect with linear segments. Blechnum fluviatile has drooping fronds and is good for hanging baskets. Blechnum serrulatum grows from 1 to 2 feet and is found from Florida to Brazil. Blechnum spicant, the Hard Fern or Deer Fern, is spread extensively throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including North America. There are many crested and other various types.

Potting and repotting should be done in early spring, or as soon as new fronds begin to uncurl. The containers must have excellent drainage. Fill them with equal parts of turfy loam, leaf mold and peat with an addition of coarse sand and small pieces of charcoal. These Ferns need a shady place and humid atmosphere, but the fronds should not be wet. Water these plants generously throughout the summer and less in the winter, but not so the soil becomes dry.

Spores are sown as soon as they are ripe on the surface of sterilized soil. (Pick a frond when the spores are brown and place it in a paper bag for a few days. The spores found at the bottom of the bag are ripe.) Cover the containers with glass and set in saucers of water until the small plants show. Transplant these to flower pans, 1-inch apart, filled with finely sifted compost and eventually transplant to larger containers. They may also be increased by division.

Blechnum tabulare;
Blechnum occidentale;
Blechnum brasiliense;
Blechnum fluviatile;
Blechnum gibbum;
Blechnum serrulatum;
Blechnum spicant (Hard or Deer Fern);
Blechnum durum;
Blechnum parvifolium;
Blechnum penna-marina.