Tree ferns are amazing plants that create a wide canopy of verdant green fronds. They are native to Australia and Tasmania and grow happily in our climate at the rate of roughly 1 inch per year as long as they have some winter fleece protection. Our tree ferns are a variety called Dicksonia antarctica (Soft Tree Fern) which is the most popular and easy to grow out of all tree ferns.
IMPORTANT: If you have just bought your tree fern and there are still risk of frosts, you will need to fleece it straight away.
Tree ferns are happiest growing in shade, but they can grow in sun as long as they are very well watered. They dislike exposed or windy positions.
Your tree fern will need protecting in winter in all but the mildest areas of the UK. It is most important to protect the top of the trunk where the fronds emerge until the last frosts (usually around late April) – it cannot be allowed to freeze. In the winter the fronds will die down but do not cut them off until the following spring. Fold the fronds in before wrapping up your tree fern for winter. Pack the top of the crown with straw and then wrap round well with horticultural fleece.
Tree Ferns can be planted in a pot or in the ground. The bottom part of the trunk needs to be buried enough so that the tree fern is stable. Apart from the very small sizes which are pretty sturdy, it is a good idea to stake your tree fern to hold it firmly.
Tree ferns will live happily for years in pots. This is often a good idea for smaller sizes (which tend to be a bit more tender than larger sizes) as you can move the whole pot into a greenhouse or shed during the winter. Don’t let the pot dry out – it is a good idea to stand it in a tray of water every now and again.
Tree Ferns like slightly acidic, humus-rich soil. We recommend using a mixture of 50% ericaceous compost, 25% leaf mould and 25% general purpose compost (preferable peat-free). Leaf mould is just leaves that have rotted down – you can buy it or go foraging under trees!
Tree ferns need a lot of water and It is vital to water your tree fern regularly, particularly in the first 6 months while it is getting established. Water into the top of the crown and the base regularly and also spray the trunk with water. The trunk is made up of aerial roots and they will appreciate a drink too. (If your tree fern isn’t getting enough water in the growing season, you may find that the fronds reduce in size over the years).
Feed your tree fern with Tree Fern Feed regularly during the growing season (we sell this). Follow the instructions and water the feed into the crown of the plant.
With their lush, vibrant fronds and imposing tree-like trunks, Australian tree ferns are mesmerizing plants that bring a sense of the tropics to any garden. If you’ve ever wondered how much air-purifying oxygen these exotic beauties produce, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore everything about the oxygen production of these fantastic ferns.
Why Australian Tree Ferns Produce Oxygen
Like all plants, Australian tree ferns (Cyathea cooperi) produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water to produce glucose for growth. Oxygen is released as a byproduct. Without plants replenishing oxygen, we couldn’t survive!
Specifically, Australian tree ferns absorb carbon dioxide through tiny pores on the undersides of their fronds. Using the sun’s energy, the fern converts the CO2 into carbohydrates it can use for food. Oxygen is released back into the air through the same pores. The more fronds the fern has, the more oxygen it can produce.
Factors That Affect Oxygen Production
Several key factors determine how much oxygen an Australian tree fern can generate
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Sunlight – More sunlight means faster photosynthesis and higher oxygen output But too much sun can damage fronds,
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Soil moisture – Proper watering is crucial. Dehydration reduces photosynthesis and oxygen production.
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Air circulation – Stagnant air limits gas exchange. Gentle air movement brings in new CO2.
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Leaf surface area – Large, healthy fronds have more pores for gas exchange. More fronds = more O2.
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Temperature – Photosynthesis peaks between 65°F-80°F. Extreme cold or heat slows the process.
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Fertilization – Proper fertilization ensures fronds are vigorous and productive.
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Pruning – Removing dead fronds helps focus energy on new growth.
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Plant maturity – Young seedlings produce less than mature, established ferns.
Estimating Oxygen Production
It’s difficult to provide an exact number on how much oxygen an Australian tree fern produces. Output depends on the specific plant’s size, health, age and environment. However, we can estimate oxygen production based on some general benchmarks:
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A single frond can produce around 0.07 ounces of oxygen per hour.
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A small fern with approximately 10 fronds can produce up to 0.7 ounces of oxygen per hour.
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A large, mature specimen with around 100 fronds can generate an estimated 7 ounces of oxygen per hour.
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Over a 24-hour period, a mature tree fern may release up to 168 ounces or approximately 10.5 pounds of oxygen into the air!
Of course, these are just ballpark figures. But it illustrates the air-purifying power of these incredible plants. The more fronds, the higher the oxygen output.
Comparison to Other Plants
How does the Australian tree fern’s oxygen production compare to other houseplants? Here are some estimates:
- Spider plant: 3-4 ounces oxygen per day
- Peace lily: 3-5 ounces oxygen per day
- Money plant: 6-8 ounces oxygen per day
- Areca palm: 13-15 ounces oxygen per day
- Australian tree fern: 10-12 pounds oxygen per day
So you can see, the Australian tree fern is in a class of its own when it comes to replenishing oxygen!
Tips to Maximize Oxygen Production
Want your Australian tree fern to produce oxygen at its full potential? Here are some tips:
- situate near an east or west facing window
- maintain warm temps between 65°-80°F
- keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy
- fertilize regularly during growing season
- prune dead fronds to promote new growth
- allow space for air circulation
- inspect regularly for pests that can damage fronds
- repot into fresh soil every 2-3 years as it grows
With the proper care, your Australian tree fern will keep pumping out oxygen to fill your home with fresh, clean air.
Benefits of Australian Tree Ferns
With their impressive oxygen output, Australian tree ferns provide some great benefits:
- Purify indoor air by removing toxins like benzene, xylene and formaldehyde
- Alleviate breathing issues, allergies and asthma
- Reduce stress and promote relaxation
- Improve mood, productivity and focus
- Help you sleep better
- Support overall health and wellbeing
So not only are these ferns visually striking plants, but they actively improve your indoor environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
You probably still have some questions about your Australian tree fern’s oxygen production. Here are answers to some common queries:
How often should I prune old fronds?
Remove yellowed or damaged fronds as needed through the growing season to promote healthy new growth. Limit major pruning to once a year.
Can I grow my fern outside to increase oxygen?
Australian tree ferns are tropical plants that need warm temps and high humidity. They likely won’t survive outdoors year round above USDA Zone 10.
Does oxygen output change at night?
Photosynthesis (and oxygen production) halts at night since sunlight is required. But oxygen already released remains in the air.
Should I mist my fern’s leaves to help oxygen production?
Misting is great for humidity but blocks pores necessary for gas exchange. Instead, use a pebble tray.
How long do fronds last before new ones grow?
Old fronds naturally yellow and die off within 1-2 years. New fronds continually emerge as old ones decline.
Can I prune too many fronds if trying to shape the fern?
Never remove more than 20% of fronds at once. Drastic pruning stresses the plant and hinders photosynthesis.
Bring the Gift of Oxygen Into Your Home
Now that you know more about how Australian tree ferns produce oxygen, you can better care for these magnificent plants. With their expansive fronds and prolific oxygen generation, they naturally purify your home’s air. Bring one of these exotic beauties into your indoor garden, and enjoy cleaner, fresher air and a lush tropical feel. Just be prepared for their oxygen-producing powers!
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