Blechnaceae
Quil-quil (Blechnum hastatum)
Blechnum hastatum
A fern for shade or part shade in mild gardens: cool, humus-rich soil and enough water that it never dries out completely. Hardy to about -10 °C.
Every 4 days
Partial shade
-10° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Quil-quil?
Quil-quil (Blechnum hastatum) is a medium-care plant from the Blechnaceae family. Quil-quil (Blechnum hastatum) is a fern native to Chile, from Coquimbo south to Chiloé and the Juan Fernández Islands, and to the humid fringe of southern Argentina. It grows from sea level up to 2,500 m in the Andes, in open spots under shrubs and near springs and streams. It is a small fern with d...
Quil-quil grows up to watering every 4 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Quil-quil is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Quil-quil?
TLDR: Quil-quil needs Partial shade, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between -10-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Quil-quil?
Water every 3-5 days in warm weather, keeping the soil cool and damp. In dry spells, mist the area to raise humidity.
How Much Light Does Quil-quil Need?
Shade or part shade, for example under shrubs or larger ferns. Strong sun scorches the fronds.
What Is the Best Soil for Quil-quil?
Cool, medium-textured soil rich in organic matter, acid to neutral, never waterlogged.
What Pot Should You Use for Quil-quil?
A wide, shallow pot with good drainage if not grown in the ground.
What Is Quil-quil and Where Does It Come From?
Quil-quil (Blechnum hastatum) is a fern native to Chile, from Coquimbo south to Chiloé and the Juan Fernández Islands, and to the humid fringe of southern Argentina. It grows from sea level up to 2,500 m in the Andes, in open spots under shrubs and near springs and streams. It is a small fern with divided fronds whose segments have finely toothed edges, usually hairy stalks and spores in short lines near the margin. Size and texture vary a lot with habitat. Of Chile's Blechnum ferns, it is the one that needs the least moisture.
How to Propagate Quil-quil?
Division
Only divide well-established plants.
- 1 In spring, lift the clump
- 2 Split off rhizome pieces with fronds and roots
- 3 Replant at the same depth in rich soil
- 4 Keep moist and shaded until established
Materials needed:
Spores
It is slow; a clean mix prevents mould.
- 1 Lay a mature fertile frond on paper for a few days to release spores
- 2 Sprinkle the spores on moist, sterilised mix
- 3 Cover with plastic and keep in bright light out of direct sun
- 4 Keep moist until tiny plants appear
Materials needed:
How Big Does Quil-quil Grow?
TLDR: Quil-quil can reach up to ?cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Fun Facts
The names quil-quil and palmilla are also used for other Chilean Blechnum ferns, and the species are often confused.
It also grows on the Juan Fernández Islands in the Pacific.
Frequently asked questions
Is quil-quil frost hardy?
Can it grow in sun?
How do I propagate it?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
