The Complete Guide to Caring for Australian Tree Ferns

Australian tree ferns are stunning indoor and outdoor plants that can add a tropical vibe to any space. With their tall trunks and arching, lacy fronds, these exotic beauties make a dramatic statement in a home or garden.

Caring for an Australian tree fern may seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think if you follow some basic care tips. In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to keep your tree fern healthy and thriving for years to come.

Australian tree ferns belong to the Cyatheaceae plant family and are native to northern New South Wales and eastern Queensland. They thrive in warm, humid climates and can grow up to 20 feet tall in their natural environment.

There are a few popular species commonly grown:

• Cyathea cooperi (Lacy tree fern)
• Dicksonia antarctica (Soft tree fern)
• Cyathea australis (Rough tree fern)

These graceful plants get their name from their tall, single woody trunks that resemble tree trunks. The fronds emerge from the top of the trunk in a fountain-like display.

Tree ferns make excellent container plants and are commonly grown as houseplants. They also add a tropical vibe to outdoor garden beds and pool areas

Caring for Your Australian Tree Fern

Caring for a tree fern mainly involves getting the moisture, light, temperature, and humidity conditions right. Follow these tips to keep your plant healthy and looking its best:

Provide Bright, Indirect Light

Tree ferns thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct hot sunlight can scorch their delicate fronds.

Indoors, place your fern near an east or west-facing window where it will get gentle morning or afternoon sun. Filter the light with a sheer curtain if needed.

Outdoors, situate your tree fern in a spot that gets dappled sunlight throughout the day, such as under taller trees or shrubs. Morning sun is ideal.

If your fern’s fronds start to yellow or brown, it likely needs more light. Move it to a brighter spot.

Water Thoroughly and Often

Consistent moisture is key for tree ferns. Their large fronds lose water rapidly, so the soil should be kept evenly moist at all times.

Check the soil daily by sticking your finger into the potting mix. Water thoroughly whenever the top inch feels dry. The entire root zone should be saturated after watering.

Avoid allowing the soil to completely dry out. This causes stress and leaf browning. Stick your finger deeper into the soil to check moisture levels if needed.

Provide the Right Potting Mix

Use a nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix for your tree fern. A quality orchid mix or peat-based potting soil amended with perlite, compost, or bark works great.

The potting mix should hold some moisture but also drain well so wet roots don’t rot. Test different mixes and watch your plant’s response.

Re-pot in fresh soil every 2-3 years as the old mix breaks down. Choose a pot one size larger and replenish nutrients.

Increase Humidity

Humidity is essential for lush tree fern growth. In nature, they thrive in rainforests and other humid environments.

Indoors, place your fern on a pebble tray filled with water, or use a humidifier nearby. Misting the fronds daily also helps increase humidity.

Outdoors, situate your tree fern near water features like ponds. The humidity from evaporation keeps their fronds happy.

Aim to keep the humidity around your fern at 60-80%. Signs of low humidity include dried frond tips and excessive leaf drop.

Maintain Warm Temperatures

Tree ferns prefer warm conditions between 60-80°F. Cool temps below 50°F can damage their fronds.

Move your fern indoors or to a sheltered spot outdoors before frosty weather arrives. Indoors, keep them away from cold drafty windows.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations. Move plants gradually between indoor and outdoor spaces so they can adjust.

Fertilize Regularly

Feed your tree fern every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. This keeps them lush and vibrant.

Reduce fertilizer frequency in winter when growth slows. Trace element supplements can also give ferns an added boost.

If frond growth seems excessive, cut back on fertilizing. Too much can cause leggy, floppy growth.

Prune Old Fronds

Remove old, yellowed fronds regularly to keep your tree fern looking tidy and healthy. Use clean pruners to snip fronds off at the base where they attach to the trunk.

Pruning also helps control pests and diseases. Discard pruned fronds immediately so infections don’t spread.

Never remove more than 1/3 of the fronds at once. This can shock the plant. Do gradual pruning over time instead.

Potting and Repotting Your Tree Fern

Tree ferns thrive when slightly rootbound, so avoid over-potting. Follow these tips for successful potting and repotting:

Choosing a Pot: Select a container that’s 2-4 inches wider than the current pot or root ball. Make sure it has drainage holes. Decorative cache pots can be used to hide plain nursery pots.

Soil Mix: Use a peat moss based potting mix amended with compost, orchid bark, or perlite for drainage.

Potting Steps: Spread dampened soil in the new pot and place the root ball on top. Fill gaps with mix, tamp gently, and water well.

Repotting Frequency: Repot young ferns every 1-2 years. Mature plants only need repotting every 4-5 years. Watch for roots emerging from drainage holes, a sign it’s time.

Transition Period: Keep the plant shaded after repotting while it establishes new roots. Gradually increase light exposure over 2-4 weeks.

Propagating Your Tree Fern

Tree ferns can be propagated by division or from spores. Here’s how:

Division: Carefully divide the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each has fronds and roots. Replant into pots using a well-draining mix.

Spores: Collect spores from the undersides of mature fronds. Sprinkle over damp sphagnum moss and cover with plastic to retain humidity. Spores germinate in a few weeks. Transfer baby ferns to small pots once established.

Offsets: Mature ferns sometimes produce baby plantlets, or offsets, around the base. These can be gently removed and potted up once they have small fronds.

Take care not to over-propagate, as removing too much growth can damage the mother plant. Focus on pruning and dividing only when necessary.

Common Problems With Tree Ferns

When cared for properly, tree ferns are generally robust and trouble-free. But issues can arise if growing conditions aren’t ideal:

• Dry fronds – Increase watering frequency and humidity. Move to a shadier spot.

• Leaf drop – Usually caused by inconsistent watering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.

• Fuzzy gray mold – Due to excess moisture on fronds. Improve air circulation and reduce watering.

• Mealybugs or scale – Wipe pests off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Spray neem oil if infestation is severe.

• Root rot – Repot in fresh mix. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Catch problems early and adjust care. Remove any badly damaged fronds to stop infections from spreading through the plant.

Tips for Maximizing Tree Fern Health

Follow these pro tips to keep your Australian tree fern thriving for years:

• Acclimate new plants slowly to your home over 2-4 weeks before repotting or moving to a permanent spot.

• Use rainwater or distilled water if possible. Tap water with added chemicals can burn fronds.

• Turn the plant periodically so all sides get even light exposure. This prevents lopsided growth.

• Mist fronds daily for added humidity. Use room temperature water, not cold, to avoid shock.

• Apply a layer of pebbles or moss atop the soil to retain moisture. This helps reduce watering frequency.

• Keep potted tree ferns well-secured so they don’t blow over in wind. These top-heavy plants can be easily toppled.

• Inspect regularly for pests like scale and mealybugs. these can hide in leaf axils. Catch them early before infestations take hold.

Displaying Your Tree Fern

With their commanding presence, tree ferns make a striking focal point both indoors and outdoors. Here are some tips for showing them off:

• Place potted fer