Dicksonia antarctica, the tree fern from the ends of the earth
Dicksonia antarctica
- Exposure
- Shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 8b (-9.4°C ≤ T° < -6.7°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Family
- Dicksoniaceae
- Genus
- Dicksonia
- Species
- Dicksonia antarctica
The Dicksonia antarctica grows in the cloud forests of Australia and Tasmania. Accustomed to high altitudes, this tree fern of the Dicksoniaceae family is also hardy enough to withstand our winters. It adds a touch of exoticism to our gardens and landscaping.
How can you identify the Dicksonia antarctica tree fern?
In its natural habitat, Dicksonia antarctica can reach a height of fifteen meters. In our latitudes, it rarely exceeds six meters.
The Tasmanian tree fern does not have a trunk, but rather a stipe. When mature, it can reach 50 centimeters in diameter. This fibrous, reddish-brown pseudostem is covered with the remains of old fronds and their petioles. It can grow straight or curved. Its lush crown of leaves gives it the appearance of a palm tree.
The fronds of this perennial herb are bipinnate or tripinnate. Initially pale green, they darken over time. The lance-shaped leaves are two to four meters long. They are covered with hairs and soft to the touch.
Like other ferns, the Tasmanian fern does not flower. But its evergreen foliage and hardiness are enough to make it a popular ornamental plant among gardeners and landscape architects.
Dicksonia antarctica is not toxic. Its pith, rich in starch, was consumed by the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. Its leaves are also edible, but their bitter taste and slimy texture do not make them a highly prized delicacy.
Our care tips
To care for your Dicksonia antarctica, you must follow two essential steps: protect it in the winter and water it through the foliage.
Watering
Your Dicksonia antarctica appreciates humidity, but its roots fear over-watering. Water into the heart of the foliage. The water that runs off wets the stipe before reaching the roots.
The substrate and trunk should be kept slightly moist. When they are dry, you can water. Constant humidity helps the plant thrive and keeps pests at bay.
Preferably use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater. In pots, never leave water standing in the saucer.
Misting
Dicksonia antarctica like high humidity. Mist their foliage with non-calcareous water, such as rainwater, at room temperature.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Dicksonia antarctica to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
In a large, perforated pot, place a bed of clay balls, gravel or small pebbles about 20% of the way up. This layer promotes drainage and prevents root rot.
Fill your pot with a draining substrate, such as potting soil for green plants. Plant your Dicksonia antarctica in the center and cover.
To improve humidity, place your plant in a saucer filled with moist clay balls.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Ferns have a fragile root system. Applying fertilizer directly to the soil could damage it. Dilute liquid green plant fertilizer with water and pour into the heart of the foliage, just as you would when watering.
Planting
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Find a shady spot , sheltered from the wind and relatively isolated: the foliage of your Dicksonia antarctica needs room to flourish.
Dig a hole two or three times larger than the root ball. If your soil is heavy, add gravel or pozzolan to the bottom to improve drainage.
Plant your Dicksonia antarctica in the middle, with the trunk upright. To ensure stability, bury about a third of the stipe. Fill in with a mixture of potting soil and garden soil. Pack by hand to eliminate air bubbles.
To keep the soil cool, cover the surface with a mixture of peat moss and dead leaves. Water for the first time after planting.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Exposure
- Shade
- Substrates
- Clay soilHumus soilSandy soilPeat soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn pots
- Category
- Herbaceous
- Tag
- Large pot
- Origins
- OceaniaAustralia
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 8b (-9.4°C ≤ T° < -6.7°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenLight green
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
