Our favourite tree fern, Dicksonia antarctica comes from south-east Australia. They’re evergreen and raise themselves up on thick, fluffy, textual trunks, sometimes to 15ft or more after many years. Their canopy of delicately feathered symmetrical fronds can grow to 12ft across. No wonder then, that theyre called tree ferns. The view from above is unsurpassable. The face that plants show to the sun is often their finest face. In the case of tree ferns, this is undoubtedly true. This is why they are perfect for planting in areas where you can look down on them. For the adventurous, why not build a raised walkway to view them from above? In addition to this, planting them in a grove as part of a woodland walk way can create an enclosed area of dappled shade, ideal for a vast array of underplanting.
Interestingly, the shorter, younger Dicksonia antarctica tend to come from areas where trees such as Eucalyptus are grown for commercial benefit. Once an area is cleared of both tree fern and Eucalyptus the ground is burnt and the pioneer species are the first to grow through. The taller specimens are harvested from areas of hardwood production.
The Australian tree fern, with its graceful, arching fronds and scaly trunk, is a sight to behold in any landscape. This magnificent plant has captivated gardeners and nature lovers for decades with its exotic, tropical allure However, many who wish to grow Australian tree ferns wonder – just how fast do these imposing plants grow? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the growth rate of Australian tree ferns
Australian tree ferns, scientific name Cyathea cooperi, are native to Australia and Tasmania They thrive in warm, humid environments and can grow quite massive in their natural rainforest habitat – up to 50 feet tall! Even in cultivation, these ferns frequently reach heights of 15-25 feet when fully mature Their fronds can spread 10-12 feet wide or more at maturity. The trunk of the Australian tree fern is covered in a characteristic pattern of leaf scars, giving it a handsome, sculptural look.
Factors That Influence Growth Rate
Like any plant, there are a few key factors that affect how fast your Australian tree fern will grow:
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Climate – Australian tree ferns naturally prefer warm temperatures and high humidity. In zone 8-11, you can grow them outdoors successfully. In cooler climates, you may need to grow them in containers that can be moved indoors as needed.
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Sun Exposure – Partial shade is ideal, with some dappled sunlight. Too much harsh sun will scorch the fronds.
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Soil – Rich, moist, well-draining soil will encourage the fastest growth.
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Watering – Consistent moisture is a must! Allowing the soil to dry out completely will slow growth.
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Fertilization – During the growing season, feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Estimating the Growth Rate
Given proper care and conditions, Australian tree ferns are considered relatively fast growers compared to other ferns. On average, you can expect:
- Year 1 – 12-24 inches of growth
- Year 2 – 18-36 inches of growth
- Year 3 – 24-48 inches of growth
- Year 4+ – 36-60 inches of growth per year
As you can see, the growth rate accelerates as the plant matures. Under ideal conditions, your Australian tree fern could easily grow 3 feet or more per year once established.
Caring for Your Tree Fern
To encourage rapid growth of your Australian tree fern, follow these care tips:
- Plant in rich, organic soil amended with compost.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- Water 1-2 times per week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Mist the fronds frequently to boost humidity.
- Feed monthly during spring and summer with balanced fertilizer.
- Prune away any dead or damaged fronds.
- Provide bright, indirect light.
- Shelter from strong winds and extreme weather shifts.
- Repot annually in early spring until maturity.
- In winter, protect outdoor plants from frost and freeze damage.
Admiring Your Rapidly Growing Fern
With the proper location and care, it is possible to achieve growth rates at the upper end of the expected range. Sit back and enjoy watching your Australian tree fern thrive. In just a few short years, this tropical beauty can reach majestic proportions and become a stunning focal point in your garden. Its lush, graceful fronds and sculptural trunk will evoke Images of wandering through a rainforest glen.
The fast growth rate of the Australian tree fern makes it a great choice for gardeners looking to add drama and exotic appeal to their outdoor space. Though it requires a bit more attention than some plants, properly cared for tree ferns are vigorous growers. Your efforts will be rewarded with a landscape showstopper that is sure to impress.
Everything you need to know about tree ferns
The trunk of a tree fern is all root, so its possible to cut one down with a chainsaw, remove all the fronds, put it in a refrigerated and decontaminated container, send it halfway around the world, bung it in a pot and let it start a new life. The idea that this can be done with utter impunity is untrue, though. It will certainly notice but, given time and the right spot, it will regain its former majesty. Once planted and the base of the trunk comes into contact with moist compost, it is stimulated to produce new roots. Itll often take 12 months to fill a standard pot with roots.
The taller the tree fern, the longer it takes for the fronds to unfurl following their journey. At first, the new fronds emerge looking a bit like the knuckle of a clenched index finger of an orangutan. Within six weeks they can be fully unfurled with an arching span of 6 to 8ft – very dramatic.
The rate of growth varies enormously, according to microclimate and soil conditions. An okay Dicksonia will produce a new rosette of fronds in the spring and then stop growing until the following spring. A happy Dicksonia will do the same, but then just carry on chucking out new fronds at an extraordinary rate. They grow in profusion in well protected coastal gardens from west Dorset, around the Cornish peninsula and all the way to north west Scotland. Also, in central London they’ve become common place, with the South East of England following close behind.
How often to water tree ferns
We would suggest you use an irrigation system and make sure the dripper stake is stuck securely into the crown. If using the garden hose also water directly into the crown, dampening the trunk as well, remember this is part of the root system. When it’s hot, daily watering is required whether through an automatic system or manually with a hose. The key is to regularly look at your tree fern and assess their condition, gently rock the trunk slightly, it should feel sturdy but not too heavy. A dry, flaky and hollow sounding trunk or wilting and drying fronds can indicate stress from too little water. Too much water leads to rotting crowns. Feel the soil and trunk – the ground should not feel dry and pale or too dark and sodden. As you approach the winter you should turn off your irrigation system. As with all plants, the trick is to remain balanced and avoid any sudden dramatic changes to plant care – often human intervention is the biggest killer of plants.
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FAQ
How long does it take for a fern to fully grow?
Most Ferns are slow growing and can take several years to reach their mature size, which varies greatly between varieties.
What is the fastest growing tree fern?
Cyathea cooperi, commonly known as the Cooper’s tree fern, is indeed a popular and fast-growing species of tree fern, especially favored in warmer climates.
What is the lifespan of a tree fern?
Plant Profile:
Once replanted the new tree ferns will naturally begin to grow once again. With a lengthy life span (up to 250 years), Tree Ferns are great for carbon capture.
What conditions do Australian tree ferns like?
Incredibly easy to grow, Australian Tree Fern thrives where there are mild winter temperatures, dappled sunlight and plenty of moisture. It has a strong architectural presence and makes a spectacular accent in gardens where winter hardy, and in containers.
How tall does the Australian Tree Fern grow?
Cyathea Cooperi, the Australian Tree Fern, is a fast growing tree fern that grows to 20 feet and spreads up to about 8 to 12 feet.
How do you grow a tree fern in Australia?
You can improve drainage by planting your tree fern on a slope or by adding drainage material such as gravel or sand to the soil. Australian tree ferns need ample space to grow and thrive. The plant’s mature size means that it will require plenty of room for its fronds to spread out.
Are Australian tree ferns better than Tasmanian ferns?
The Australian Tree Fern offers a tropical aesthetic that’s hard to beat, while the Tasmanian Tree Fern’s denser, more structured look gives my garden a distinctive and stately feel. How fast do Australian tree ferns grow?
Is Australian tree fern a perennial?
The Australian tree fern (Sphaeropteris cooperi) is a tropical evergreen prized for its striking appearance and adaptability. Belonging to the Cyatheaceae family, this perennial plant is native to Australia and has become a popular choice for shady gardens due to its lush, ornamental appeal.
Are Australian tree ferns healthy?
Australian tree ferns are a beautiful addition to any garden or outdoor space. Their lush green fronds and tall, elegant stature make them a standout feature in any landscape. However, to keep your tree fern healthy and thriving, it’s important to provide it with the right care and attention.
Can Australian tree ferns grow indoors?
In colder areas, you can grow the fern in a container, which gives you the flexibility to move it indoors for the fall and winter once temperatures drop too low. Keep the soil moist at all times. Australian tree ferns are not drought-tolerant and need weekly watering.