Tree Fern Care Instructions

Taxonomic Name: Cyathea and Dicksonia species

Tree Fern Family

Nonflowering Woody Plants

When most people in this part of the world think of ferns, they think of low-growing, stemless plants that occupy shady zones in gardens and woodlands. In tropical and subtropical regions, however, some ferns still attain the sort of majesty their kind displayed hundreds of millions ago, before the rise of the flowering plants.

These biggest of modern ferns develop upright trunks and have a distinctly tree-like habit. Several species of these large, palm-like plants are suitable for use indoors. If you buy a young tree fern specimen, keep in mind that if it receives the right conditions it will grow quite rapidly and require substantial lebensraum.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: Bright indirect sunlight is best. Avoid placing your tree fern in hot southern or western exposures. Your plant may tolerate bright artificial lighting, at least for a few months.

WATERING: Water when the soil surface is almost dry to the touch. At least a little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes, but the plant should not stand in saucer water for more than thirty minutes. Tree ferns are big drinkers; don't let them dry out too much!  

FEEDING: Feed the plant only when it is actively growing, and then do so sparingly. Use a high-nitrogen (high first number) houseplant fertilizer applied at half the concentration and frequency listed in the product directions.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Like almost all ferns, tree ferns need high humidity. Keep your plant in a humid locale, such as a greenhouse or conservatory. Separately, watch out for mealy bug, especially on the undersides of the plant's giant fronds. The pests can be controlled by spraying with horticultural (paraffin) oil. Avoid heavy-duty insecticide sprays; some of these may harm tree-fern tissue.