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 scientific name Cyathea cooperi, is an impressive plant that can grow quite large in a relatively short amount of time. As one of the fastest growing tree ferns C. cooperi can reach towering heights up to 25 feet tall in just a few years when grown in ideal outdoor conditions.
I’ve always loved the prehistoric tropical look of tree ferns and have been fascinated by how quickly the Australian species can grow. If you’re considering adding a tree fern to your garden but are wondering about the growth rate read on for more details on how fast Australian tree ferns grow both in the wild and when cultivated as container plants.
Growth Rate of Australian Tree Ferns in the Wild
In its natural habitat in the rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests of eastern Australia and Tasmania, the Australian tree fern grows exceptionally fast. Under ideal conditions of consistent moisture, warm temperatures and shady overhead canopy, Cyathea cooperi is capable of adding 3 to 5 feet of height per year as a young plant.
As the fern matures, the growth rate slows, but even large specimens may produce 18 to 24 inches of new frond growth annually. Over time, this consistent rapid growth allows the Australian tree fern to reach impressive heights between 15 to 25 feet tall.
The key to the quick growth is the trunk structure of the tree fern. Rather than true woody tissue, the trunk is composed of a fibrous mass of roots and coiled rootlets covered by old leaf bases. This soft pithy trunk structure allows for the rapid vertical extension.
In the sheltered understory of a tropical or subtropical rainforest, where moisture and temperatures are optimal year round, an Australian tree fern may reach its mature height of 25 feet in just 5 to 8 years from germination.
Growth Rate as a Cultivated Potted Plant
When grown as a container plant in temperate climates, the Australian tree fern grows a bit slower but still adds a substantial amount of height each year. With proper care, you can expect growth of up to 3 feet per year.
Since the fern won’t have the ideal protected tropical conditions it enjoys in the wild, you’ll need to choose an outdoor location that mimics its natural habitat as much as possible.
Key things to provide include:
- Bright shade or filtered sunlight
- Consistent moisture
- Shelter from drying winds
- High humidity
- Warm temperatures between 60-80°F
With the right location and care, your container grown Australian tree fern may grow up to 36 inches per year when young, slowing to 24 inches per year once it is well established.
To encourage rapid growth:
- Water frequently to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Mist the fern fronds every day to boost humidity
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season
- Prune off any dead or damaged fronds to stimulate new growth
With this care, your Australian tree fern could easily grow over 5 feet tall in just 2 years!
Caring for Your Fast Growing Australian Tree Fern
Once you’ve selected the ideal sheltered outdoor spot and prepared the soil with plenty of peat and compost for moisture retention, growing Australian tree ferns is easy. But there are a few specific care requirements to support the rapid growth and keep your plant healthy.
Watering
The key to fast growth is consistent moisture. Tree fern roots are very fine and delicate so they depend on the soil staying moist at all times. Never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Water thoroughly whenever the top inch or two of soil becomes dry. Always water around the base of the trunk to encourage deep root growth. Monthly deep soaking will help leach salts and flush the soil.
In dry climates, daily misting of the fronds is beneficial to boost humidity levels around the fern. Consider an automated irrigation system on a timer to ensure regular watering if you travel often.
Fertilizer
An annual application of slow release pelleted fertilizer in early spring is sufficient nutrition. But to fuel maximum growth, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season from spring through early fall.
Reduce fertilizer over winter when growth slows. Foliar sprays are also very beneficial for quickly boosting nutrient levels.
Light
Bright filtered sunlight or light shade mimics the native habitat best. Avoid hot direct sun which may scorch the tender fronds. Shelter from strong winds helps prevent drying and breakage of fronds.
Pruning
Remove any dead, damaged or discolored fronds at the base with clean pruners. This directs energy into new growth. Cut off spent foliage as it naturally declines after unfurling to maintain an attractive appearance.
Repotting
In a container, the Australian tree fern may need repotting every 2-3 years in early spring as the trunk expands. Carefully trim off a few inches of old roots and move up to the next pot size with fresh potting mix amended with peat moss.
Propagation
Once a mature height is reached, Australian tree ferns will often begin producing offsets called pups around the base. These small plantlets can be carefully removed and potted up to grow additional ferns quickly.
Troubleshooting Problems
If your fern’s growth stalls, it likely indicates a cultivation issue. Check for these common problems:
- Insufficient water – increase watering frequency
- Root rot from overwatering – allow soil to dry out between waterings
- Lack of nutrients – apply a balanced fertilizer
- Pot bound roots – repot in a larger container
- Inadequate humidity – mist frequently and avoid hot or windy areas
With the proper care and conditions, it’s quite amazing how rapidly Australian tree ferns can grow. Just be sure to provide plenty of space as these towering beauties will quickly become a focal point in your garden. Embrace their fast growth and you’ll soon have a graceful, verdant statement plant.
Enjoying the Unique Benefits of Australian Tree Ferns
In addition to their exceptionally fast growth rate, Australian tree ferns offer other great benefits that make them a fantastic addition to gardens and patios:
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Tropical jungle look in temperate climates – the huge arching fronds evoke prehistoric jungles and look great in combined plantings with broad leaf exotic plants
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Striking architectural shape – the slender trunk and massive crown of fronds provides exotic vertical interest as a centerpiece planting
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Low maintenance – once established, they have moderate water needs and few pest or disease problems
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Evergreen foliage – the lush green fronds persist year round in frost free climates adding color during winter
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Air purifying – the expansive frond surface naturally filters dust, pollutants and allergens from the air
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Erosion control – the extensive root system helps stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion in the garden
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Wildlife habitat – birds often nest in the trunk and frogs and lizards take cover in the undergrowth
So if you’re looking for a stunning low maintenance plant that makes a towering statement in the garden, embrace the fast growing qualities of the Australian tree fern. In no time you’ll have a graceful giant adding drama, texture, and serene jungle ambiance to your garden.
Getting Started with Your Own Australian Tree Fern
Convinced that the Australian tree fern’s rapid growth and exotic tropical vibe is right for your garden? Here’s a quick summary of how to get started successfully growing one of these magnificent giants:
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Select a partially shaded location protected from hot sun and wind
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Prepare a roomy planting area at least 4 feet across – remember this fern grows big!
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Amend soil with peat moss and compost to retain moisture
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Plant the fern slightly high, with the first fronds just above soil level
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Water thoroughly after planting and mist fronds daily initially
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Apply shade cloth if planting during hot dry weather
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Stake taller plants for stability until established
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Water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry
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Fertilize regularly during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
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Prune away any dead or damaged fronds as needed
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Enjoy the rapid growth, soon you’ll have a towering specimen!
With the right care and conditions, an Australian tree fern makes an unforgettable statement plant thanks to its jungle-like form and exceptionally fast growth. If you’ve got the space and love exotic tropical accents in your garden, look for an Australian tree fern at your local nursery or order one online. Just be prepared to give it plenty of room to reach its impressive mature size!
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Where to plant tree ferns
Ideally, any tree fern with a trunk over 2 foot should be planted in the ground but they can grow in a pot as long as they are well stabilised. They like a bit of shade (but not too much; they get thin and drawn), nice organic soil (which all ferns like) and humidity. People are often surprised that tree ferns grow happily in Los Angeles where it hardly ever rains. The answer is the Pacific Ocean. It might not rain much, but the ocean makes coastal areas humid enough to keep tree ferns happy. They also like space to show off their symmetrical loveliness.
When new fronds are emerging (this goes for Cycads and one or two other plants) and theyre in a pot, dont move the pot. The plants internal command centre is organising its fronds in a way to gain the maximum light. To us, the result is beautiful symmetry. Move the plants while the fronds are unfurling and as far as its concerned, the suns changed position and the fronds will twist – resulting in a hopeless mess. Once all of the fronds are out and settled down, then you can move the plant if you need to.
How to grow and care for a tree fern
Much is spoken on the hardiness of these plants since their importation from Australia in the mid-1990s. This is a plant whose geographical distribution reaches from central Tasmania to southern Queensland. After a very cold winter, it would appear that this hardiness varies from plant to plant, but theres absolutely no way of anticipating which ones are hardy and which ones are not until its too late. So, if your garden gets cold, wrap your tree fern up in the winter. The most important thing is to protect the crown. Wrap the crown in fleece (you can add straw as well) to protect the future development of emerging new spring fronds. We never think there’s much point tying up and fleecing the fronds as they always look so tatty when you unwrap them. We prefer to leave the unfurled fronds for additional winter theatre (you never know – it might snow). Frost damaged fronds can be snipped off in early March to make way for lovely new emerging knuckles and unfurling fronds. Short of a catastrophic winter you will be delighted to see hints of a new crown of fronds emerging when you remove the winter protection. If you have the means to build a stack of straw bales around each plant this also works well.
How to Grow and Care for Australian Tree Fern
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