Tree ferns are ancient magnificent plants that can add an exotic, tropical feel to any indoor or outdoor space. With their impressively tall trunks covered in roots and large graceful fronds, tree ferns are definitely statement pieces in a garden or home. However, caring for these prehistoric plants does require some specific conditions to help them thrive. By understanding tree ferns’ preferences for water, light, humidity, and more, you can keep your plant healthy for years to come.
Overview of Tree Fern Care
Caring for a tree fern requires:
- Bright, indirect light or dappled outdoor shade
- Warm temperatures between 60-80°F
- High humidity around 60-80%
- Moist, humus-rich, acidic soil
- Weekly watering without oversaturating
- Good drainage and aeration in pots or soil
- Occasional organic fertilizer during growing season
- Pruning old fronds as needed
Recreating the tropical understory conditions where tree ferns originate is key to their success. With the right care these living fossils can grow for decades.
Choosing the Best Location
Tree ferns thrive in warm, humid environments with indirect sunlight. When grown outdoors, choose a shady spot protected from intense midday sun. Dappled sunlight filtering through trees is ideal. For indoor tree ferns, place them near an east or west-facing window where they’ll receive gentle light. Rotate the plant periodically for even growth.
Using the Right Potting Mix
Tree ferns require a rich, acidic, and well-draining soil. A quality potting mix amended with peat moss, orchid bark, and perlite provides moisture retention and drainage. For in-ground plants, improve native soil by mixing in compost, peat, pine needles, and sand.
Watering Correctly
Tree ferns demand consistently moist soil. Water whenever the top inch becomes dry until water trickles from the drainage holes. The trunk absorbs moisture too, so mist it frequently. Ensure the pot or soil drains well to prevent soggy conditions. Drooping fronds indicate under watering.
Providing Sufficient Humidity
High humidity is essential for lush tree fern growth. Indoors, place the tree fern near other plants and use a humidifier. Mist the leaves and trunk daily. Outdoors, ensure the tree fern has shelter from drying winds. Create a tropical microclimate underneath larger plants.
Maintaining Ideal Temperatures
Tree ferns thrive between 60-80°F and cannot tolerate frost. Move outdoor container plants indoors or provide winter protection if temperatures drop below 50°F. Avoid cold drafts and heating vents for indoor plants. A basement or sunroom provides ideal conditions.
Fertilizing for Healthy Growth
Use a balanced, organic fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Dilute any liquid fertilizer to half strength. Cease fertilizing during fall and winter dormancy. Fronds turning yellow indicate nutritional deficiencies.
Repotting and Pruning Care
Repot rootbound tree ferns in early spring before growth resumes. Choose a container 2-4 inches larger and refresh some soil. Prune away any dead fronds at the base using sterilized shears. Wipe dust from leaves with a damp cloth to improve air circulation.
Safeguarding Against Pests
Inspect tree ferns regularly for pests like scale, mealybugs, and mites which can quickly infest plants. Isolate and treat any issues with horticultural oils or insecticidal soap sprays. Scale can be removed manually with a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellow or browning fronds – Usually signaling too much sun, underwatering, or low humidity. Adjust conditions and prune damaged fronds.
Drooping fronds – Indicates inadequate water and humidity. Increase watering frequency and misting.
Leaf drop – Can result from cold drafts, pests, or transplant shock. Improve air circulation and acclimate new plants.
Slow growth – Caused by insufficient light, low temperatures, compacted roots, or underfeeding. Fertilize regularly and repot rootbound plants.
Rotting trunk – Due to overwatering or crown rot. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings and avoid wetting the crown.
Tips for Success
- Acclimate new tree ferns slowly to avoid transplant shock.
- Use rainwater or distilled water to prevent mineral buildup.
- Add pebbles in pots to improve drainage and air circulation.
- Monitor for pests which can spread quickly in humid conditions.
- Rotate the plant to prevent one-sided growth towards light.
With the proper care to meet its preferences, a tree fern can thrive for decades as an eye-catching accent plant in any indoor or outdoor space. Just be prepared for it to grow quite large!
Types of Australian Tree Ferns
About 1,000 different kinds of tree ferns are found in tropical or subtropical settings.
- Brentwood is a type of tree fern that grows faster than most and has bigger, darker green leaves than the species.
- The New Zealand or Tasmanian tree fern is very similar to the Australian tree fern, but its species name is Dicksonia antarctica, and its crown is usually narrower than the Australian tree fern’s.
Soil
Australian tree ferns can tolerate a variety of soil conditions including sand, loam, and clay. Still, they will do best in a wet, sandy soil that is rich but drains well and has a pH level between neutral and acidic. It is also suggested that you put mulch around the tree. The mulch will add more nutrients to the soil and keep the water in, which is especially important when it is very hot outside.
How to look after Tree Ferns | Grow at Home | RHS
FAQ
Do you water tree ferns from the top or bottom?
How often should you water a fern tree?
Should I cut the fronds off my tree fern?
How do you care for a tree fern indoors?
How do you care for tree ferns?
Tree ferns are relatively easy to care for if you provide them with the right conditions. They need consistent moisture, so regular watering is essential, particularly during dry periods. The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
How do you grow Australian fern trees?
Plant Australian fern trees in well-draining soil in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. If you’re growing this tree in a cooler area in a pot, move it indoors in winter. The key to growing a healthy Australian tree fern is to provide it with dappled sunlight or shade, ample humidity, and consistently moist soil.
How do you protect a tree fern?
You can also protect the crown by wrapping it up with straw and horticultural fleece. Trim tatty fronds in early spring. Dicksonia antarctica – one of the hardier tree ferns. It works well when combined with other ferns and shade tolerant plants, or in an exotic planting scheme.
Should I cut off a tree fern?
As your tree fern grows, the lower leaves may start to die back and it is okay to cut these off. Since this will evolve into a tree, the trunk will start to become more apparent as these lower leaves disappear and it grows. Tree Ferns are ferns of insanely large proportions growing up out of a wood “trunk”.