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.
With its graceful arching fronds emerging from a slender trunk the Australian tree fern is truly one of the most elegant plants you can add to your garden. Native to the lush rainforests of Australia, these ancient giants can grow up to 50 feet tall in the wild. Fortunately, even container-grown specimens make a stunning statement in any outdoor space.
If you’re captivated by the beauty of Australian tree ferns, you may be interested in propagating your own. Propagating allows you to expand your personal fern collection and share these amazing plants with fellow plant lovers.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best practices for propagating Australian tree ferns the right way.
Spore Propagation: Harnessing Reproductive Spores
The most common and reliable way to propagate Australian tree ferns is through spore propagation. This natural method utilizes the fern’s own reproductive spores to generate new plants. Here are the key steps:
Harvesting Viable Spores
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Identify mature fronds with brown, powdery sori on the undersides. Sori produce spores once the frond ages.
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Carefully cut the frond and place in a paper bag. Allow to dry for 1-2 weeks so spores release
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Shake the bag to collect spores. They’ll look like fine brown powder.
Creating Optimal Growing Conditions
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Sterilize soilless potting mix by pouring boiling water over it to kill any pathogens.
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Allow mix to cool fully before use,
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Fill shallow trays with the sterile mix to a depth of 1-2 inches.
Sowing Spores and Providing Warmth
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Sprinkle spores evenly over the potting mix surface. Don’t bury them.
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Lightly mist to moisten. Cover trays with plastic domes to retain humidity.
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Place trays in bright, indirect light. Maintain temperatures of 65-75°F for best germination.
Transplanting Young Ferns
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In a few weeks, tiny green prothalli will emerge from spores.
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Once prothalli grow into small ferns, transplant into individual pots with potting mix.
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Acclimate young ferns to normal indoor conditions before moving to the garden.
Troubleshooting Common Spore Propagation Issues
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Too little moisture prevents spore germination. Mist soil regularly.
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Excess water can lead to fungal diseases. Allow mix to partially dry between waterings.
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Prothalli may rot from lack of air circulation. Remove domes once growth starts.
Division Propagation: Dividing Established Plants
Another propagation method is division of mature Australian tree ferns that have formed multiple crowns.
Selecting Plants for Division
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Target plants aged 2+ years that are actively growing and appear vigorous.
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Avoid dividing stressed or diseased ferns, as this can spread issues to new plants.
Preparing Plants for Division
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Carefully remove the fern from its container and loosen rootball.
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Wash soil away with a hose or water sprayer to expose crowns and rhizomes.
Dividing the Rootball and Replanting
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Use a sterilized, sharp knife to divide the rhizomes and roots into sections.
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Ensure each section has roots and at least one frond crown.
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Replant divisions in pots using fast-draining potting mix. Water well.
Caring for Divided Ferns
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Place divisions in bright, indirect light. Shelter from direct sun and wind initially.
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Keep soil consistently moist but not sodden. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
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Once new frond growth emerges, transition to normal care conditions.
Rooting Stem Cuttings: A Challenging Technique
Rooting stem cuttings is possible but quite difficult with Australian tree ferns. However, here is an overview of the process:
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Take 6+ inch cuttings from healthy, undamaged fronds. Remove lower leaves.
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Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone powder to stimulate root growth.
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Stick cuttings shallowly in sterile, moist seedling mix. Cover with plastic.
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Provide high humidity and indirect light. Maintain temperatures around 70°F.
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Check for root formation in 6-8 weeks. Transplant into pots once well rooted.
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Success rate is low. Spore and division propagation are significantly easier.
Providing Proper Care Post-Propagation
Once your Australian tree fern propagules are established, proper care is vital:
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Acclimate young ferns slowly to normal indoor temperatures and humidity before moving outside.
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Repot into larger containers each year using an acidic, nutrient-rich potting mix.
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Site in part sun to light shade. Protect from hot sun and drying winds.
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Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow drying between waterings.
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Feed monthly during growth season with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
With the proper techniques and favorable growing conditions, propagating your own Australian tree ferns can be highly rewarding. In time, you’ll have a small forest of these tropical beauties enriching your garden. Share the joy with others and help preserve these ancient wonders.
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How to feed tree ferns
During the spring growing season, feed weekly into the crown of the tree fern as the knuckles start to move and the fronds begin to unfurl. Use a specialist feed – HSK Tree Fern Feed – it is by far the best. If they have suffered a particularly rough winter they will really benefit from this boost.
How to plant a tree fern
Given the cost of tree ferns, the challenge is to have as much of the plant out of the ground as possible. So, when it comes to planting, it’s a question of stability. For the large ones, you can drill a hole into the centre of the trunk (yes, literally drill a hole) and insert a metal rebar to act as an anchor in the ground. You can also wire to guy them to the ground. For smaller trunks, digging a small hole to bury them in works well and the depth of that is dependent on how densely you compact the soil around them. If you have a new house and a new garden (especially in an area where clay predominates) grow them either in a pot or wait for a few years. Ferns are fuss pots and will only grow in good friable, well-drained soil with lots of organic content.
The dark art of propagating ferns from spores | Wow to | Gardening Australia
FAQ
Can you propagate an Australian tree fern?
Can you grow a fern tree from a cutting?
Can you cut a tree fern in half and replant?
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.
How much light do Australian tree ferns need?
Use fluorescent lights or LED grow lights, and keep them on for 12-16 hours per day. Light Duration: Australian tree ferns need 12-16 hours of light per day to thrive. If you are growing the plant indoors, you can use a timer to ensure the plant receives the right amount of light each day.
How do Australian tree ferns reproduce?
Australian tree ferns reproduce through spores, which develop on the undersides of mature fronds. These spores can be collected and sown onto a suitable growing medium to propagate new plants. How do I water Australian tree fern?
How often should you repot an Australian tree fern?
Potting and Repotting: Repot your Australian tree fern every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its current pot. Use a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid overpotting, which can lead to waterlogged soil and root rot. Pruning: Regularly remove any dead or yellowing fronds to maintain the plant’s appearance and overall health.