ABOUT THIS TREE FERN
Australian Tree Fern – Our Australian Tree Fern, is a selected clone of the species Cyathea Cooperi. Its growth is much faster than other tree ferns and can grow to be 15 feet tall in 10 years in the right growing conditions. Along the lower California coast, for example, you may see 30 foot specimen trees with fronds 6 to 8 feet long. The trunk of this tree fern is formed from its roots, and so it’s advisable to water its trunk, as well as the soil. Australian may be used as an annual for special effect in the garden in cold winter areas, but leave them in their containers and bring them in before freezes occur. Giant primeval-looking fronds on top of the tall trunk will make you look around the garden for meandering dinosaurs! The trunk of the tree fern is actually an extremely long upright rhizome supporting the crown of fronds or stipes. Tree ferns thrive in a sheltered, humid and shaded area, with plenty of room so that the top of the plant can spread. This variety makes an excellent container plant as well as a beautiful landscape plant for the tropical garden. These are very healthy tropical plants with well established root system.
The plants shipping now may vary in size, form and color from the images above. Please remember that no two plants are alike.
The growth rate and leaf color of Australian will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. A few leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress.
QUICK SPECS
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OUTDOOR
Zone 9b-11
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PATIO
Zone 4a-11
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SOIL TYPE
Rich Moist
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% SUN
70-85%
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POT SIZE
4″ Round
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INCLUDES
One Plant
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TREE FERN PLANT CARE
Australian are very easy to grow tropical plants that require little care indoors or out. Like other ferns, many species of Tree Fern can be grown as houseplants, or outdoors in mild climates. They thrive in moist soils with high organic matter and grow best when provided with filtered sunlight. Tree Fern plants can be grown in containers or outdoors as a remarkable landscape plant. Indoors plants thrive at temperatures between 55°- 80°F and in lower light conditions than other house plants. The trunk and crown of tree ferns will not tolerate drying out, so water regularly to ensure the trunk remains damp. In very cold zones a containerized Tree Fern can be brought inside for the winter months. Be sure to avoid frost and freezing temperatures.
When you receive your new Tree Fern, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a bucket with about a half inch of water in the bottom and moving it to a shady location. You can then add some mulch to keep your plant standing upright. The mulch will also supply nutrients while in storage. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new Tree Fern.
CONTAINER SIZE
Tree Fern grow very well in patio and indoor containers. Allow enough room for growth generally a 10″ to a 20″ diameter, 10″ deep container will suffice to get started. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your plant will be. When the plant becomes root bound its growth will slow, at that point it is time for a larger pot.
SOIL
Australian Tree Ferns enjoy well drained but moist, rich organic mix. Remember try to stay away from wet, mucky or dry, sandy soils.
FERTILIZER
To help establish your new Australian Tree Fern, after the first year of planting, apply a liquid feed (diluted as directed by the manufacturer) to the fronds and trunk once a month, from mid-spring to mid-summer, when the plant is actively growing. It is also a good idea to spread a time-release fertilizer around the base of the plant in spring at the rate recommended by the manufacturer.
GROW ZONE & LIGHT
Best outdoors if grown in zone 10-11, find your zone here. This Tree Fern requires 70-85% sunlight. Depending on your location filtered sun is best. In the northern end of their grow zone Australian plants should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted plant will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside before frost.
BEFORE YOU PLANT OUTDOORS
At the nursery these Tree Fern plants are grown under 40-60% shade cloth. If you plant this Tree Fern in a brightly lit area you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.
WHAT IS THE SHIPPING SIZE
All Australian Tree Fern Plants for sale will vary in size. In the spring, plants are often smaller than plants shipped in the fall. Plants designated with a sku ending in -4, -6 or -8 will arrive in a standard 4 inch, 6 inch or 8 inch round growers pot respectively. Our new, reusable, recyclable deep pots are 8 inches deep and 3×3 inches in width. Products growing in these pots are easy to transplant and allow for deeper roots and faster growth, they are designated with a sku ending in -t3, most of these often come with a wood totem. (Note: The item sku number can be found just below the buy button.) The color and style of these pots may vary. If we are out of a particular size item, we may ship a larger size at no additional charge. For more information, click the “best packaging” link at the bottom of this page.
Note:
Before leaving, Australian Tree Fern plants are inspected, watered, and pruned. Larger plants, generally those that ship in 8″ pots or with totems, will be topped to 36″ or 48″ overall, depending on the variety, if necessary to facilitate shipping. Your new plants’ pot is then bagged to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Plants are tissue or kraft paper wrapped and secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts.
You may want to order your Australian online now while they are in stock, supplies are limited.
Zone.9b Zone.10a Zone.10b Zone.11a Zone.11a Zone.11b
