Silver lady fern checking out

[quaman58]

Hey all, 

I got this plant a number of years ago (blechnum gibbon) at a garden center. Although it’s a native of New Caledonia, it’s very common and grew nicely outdoors for years. One thing I always liked about it was the fact that it developed a short upright stem, which then tipped over on its side, rooted the stem into the ground, and started growing skyward again. Really had a soft spot in my heart for it. It flushed regularly for years… and then suddenly didn’t. Outside the obvious (no new growth, collapsed crown), I can’t really see what might have happened. No insects, no fungus, nothing I can see that could be responsible. Thoughts? Seemed way too healthy to chalk up to old age. Thanks in advance!

 

[happypalms]

That’s a beautiful specimen. I don’t know the life span of blechnum ferns but one would think quite old being a fern. Has it had any urea or fertiliser of any source put on it. And a tough dry spell? 

[quaman58]

Weather's been near perfect for weeks in mid autumn.  Installed a fertigator over a year ago, and nothing else seems adversely affected. I'll wait it out a bit & pray..

[John2468]

Did you water it from the crown? I lost a Cyathea from crown rot pretty recently, all the fronds suddenly died and the crown turned to mush when I touched it.

[quaman58]

Nope, everything’s pretty much drip.  It mushy either, just not moving. Has 3 green fronds on one side still. 

[quaman58]

Well, sometimes this hobby can surprise you. Almost 6 months with no discernible growth, albeit three or four still intact leaves. Walking by today and and surprise!