How to Grow Tree Ferns

There are three different varieties of tree ferns that are seen in the Australian Garden. These include the Rough Tree Fern (Cyathea australis ), Soft Tree Fern (Dicsonia Antarctica ) and the Coin Spot or Scaly Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi ). The most common of these are the Coin Spot or Scaly Tree Fern, which is chosen for its quick growth and striking coin-like stems

Half shade to filtered sun

Water well

Can handle all soil types

Best suited to temperate and tropical climates

How to Grow Tree Ferns in a Garden

Step 1

Choose a place in the garden that gets half shade or filtered sun with protection from strong winds. Prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball.

Step 3

After removing the tree from its pot, place it into the prepared hole and carefully backfill with the soil. Mulch with organic mulch and water in well, including the trunk.

Step 4

Feed lightly in Autumn and Spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

Tree Fern Growing Tips

Rough Tree Fern is best suited to temperate to cool climates. It can handle frosts to -5˚C and is fairly slow growing.
Soft Tree Ferns are sold as giant cuttings, and can be grown in most climates.
Avoid planting the ferns in direct sun and in strong winds as the fronds can easily burn in these conditions.
Any dead or damaged fronds can be pruned off as necessary.
The stem or trunk of the tree fern is actually a vertical rhizome. After transplanting ensure that you also water the trunk to reduce stress.