Care Guide for the Tree Fern
Credit David Clode
About the Tree Fern
Tree Ferns. This is literally what it sounds like: ferns of insanely large proportions growing up out of a wood “trunk”. Now I may live in the PNW and be blessed with giant ferns around me at all times, especially when I go hiking in the Cascades, but tree ferns are another level. Indoors these friends get 5-10 feet tall and 6 feet wide but in the wild they can reach heights of 40+ feet while coming from a variety of climates all over the world. So why do you need them in your house? Well you are probably already obsessed with the beautiful look and feel of fern fronds, and you probably love and want a statement plant for your home, and who doesn’t want that jungle feel in their home?
Types of Tree Fern
The term “Tree fern” actually refers to a few different families of ferns that all have a tree-like appearance. To help narrow this down, I have highlighted three of my favorites.
- Australia Tree Fern (cyathea cooperii) - is probably the most common tree fern for indoor use and it can grow quite large. It has little hairs over its feather-like fronds that are sometimes called “crosiers” as they look like the staffs used by bishops. However, be aware that these little hairs can irritate your skin. I recommend this tree fern if you are looking for an airy, textured feel.
- Tasmanian Tree Fern (dicksonia antarctica) - This tree fern has a sturdy trunk and a large frond spread (up to 6-12 feet) but it is slow-growing so you don’t have to worry quite yet! The trunk is excellent for other ferns, orchids, and mosses to grow on which makes this option great for your patio.
- Hawaiian Tree Fern (cibotium glaucum) - Pulling from our American rainforests, this tree fern is found all over the islands of Hawaii. Its fronds are leathery and slightly waxy underneath. It spreads quite a lot and has thickly textured fronds that range in color from gray-green to blue. Hawaiian Tree Ferns like warm temperatures and good soil drainage.
Tip:
I recommend repotting plants once a year into a slightly larger pot however, to slow down growth on these giants, stop repotting for longer periods of time.
How to Care for the Tree Fern
Similar to their smaller fern cousins, tree ferns love humidity. Remember that these beauties come from tropical climates where the humidity feels like you are breathing water and it rains often. While each fern is different, keeping the soil from fully drying out is important. When the top inch or two of the soil feels dry, water again. Second, try to avoid drafts. Don’t place your tree fern near an open window in winter or an AC vent or a burning radiator. Fern’s like consistency in temperature and if this isn’t given to them, they will get angry, turn brown and drop leaves.
Fern’s like indirect light as they are used to having the sun filtered by the plants above but tree ferns prefer a little brighter light then your typical fern. Place them near a window but if it is western or southern, make sure you have curtains to filter the light. 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.