The tree fern begins with a bare, soft, bristly trunk. The fronds begin to unfurl in late spring. The plant is transformed within a few weeks, with bright green fronds of ferns reaching up to a metre from the centre. The fronded plant makes a truly wonderful feature for any garden or patio after its rapid spring growth.
Dicksonia Antarctica Tree Fern
The fronds grow throughout the summer and often remain in place well into the winter. However, you may have made the wise decision to “put the plant to bed” by mid-winter, which brings us neatly to how to care for your tree fern. Tree fern care is simple with the right advice and a few handy tricks. Below are three basic steps on how to take care of your tree fern
How often should I be watering my tree fern?
Water copiously, up and down the trunk, during the growing months (May to October), taking care to repeat this frequently, especially during the first 6 months after planting. I water mine literally every time I’m watering everything else, and then use auto irrigation during the summer. Also if it seems dry through the winter, also water it! Don’t let it dry out, keep moist.
How often should I be feeding my tree fern?
Tree Ferns benefit from supplemental feeding regularly. The best product for this is a specialised tree fern fertiliser. Otherwise, any liquid plant feed or fertiliser will suffice.
Should I Cut The Dead Leaves Of My Tree Ferns?
NO! Don’t’ do it. I know lots of people do, but just let the fern do it’s own thing.
Can Tree Ferns Stay In a Pot?
Tree ferns can do ok in containers, but it’ll never grow as fast as it will in the ground, and it’ll be happier there. Just plant it in the ground!
How Often Do You Feed A Tree Fern?
When it comes to feeding tree ferns you’re expected to Feed once a month during the winter and every one to two weeks from spring to late summer.
Can Tree Ferns Take Full Sun?
Although the majority prefer moderate shade, a few can tolerate full sun. The climate needs of the species differ, with some requiring no frost and others tolerating light to moderate frost.
Furthermore, caring for a tree fern is neither difficult nor time-consuming: only a few basic tactics can keep your plant in top condition.
Further Reading & Common Tree Fern Questions
- What should I plant with tree ferns?
- How do you propagate tree ferns?
- Can tree ferns like Dicksonia Antartica grow in pots?
- How can I make my ferns grow bigger?
- How fast does a tree fern grow?
- How long does it take for tree fern fronds to grow?
- Are tree ferns invasive?
- Are tree ferns expensive?
- Does a tree fern have roots?
- Can you grow a tree fern indoors?
- Are tree ferns deciduous?
- How long does a tree fern live?
- Do tree ferns prefer sun or shade?
- How do you cut back tree ferns?
- Are tree ferns hardy?
- How do you take care of a tree fern?
