Soft Tree-fern
Dicksonia antarctica · Dicksoniaceae
📷 Wikimedia Commons · GFDL 1.2
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant soft tree-fern: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, very decorative pinnate fronds
- Type
- Tree fern
- Mature size
- Up to 3 m in height
- Growth
- Slow (a few cm per year)
- Hardiness
- Down to -5 °C in protected conditions
- Origin
- Humid forests of Tasmania and Victoria (Australia)
- Water requirements
- Moderate, regular humidity preferred
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Dicksonia antarctica needs rich, moist soil and consistent partial shade. Protect the trunk (stipe) from damage.
The common mistake
Most gardeners plant it in full sun or dry ground, thinking a tree fern is tough; it gradually declines.
The pro's trick
In oceanic regions (western France), plant it near a water feature or pond.
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate moist but without waterlogging, especially during growth periods (spring-summer). In winter, reduce watering but don't let it dry out completely. This fern appreciates a humid atmosphere: mist the foliage regularly or place it near a humidity source.
Light exposure
Prefer filtered light or partial shade; direct sunlight can scorch the delicate fronds. A location sheltered from hot, dry drafts is ideal. Outdoors, install it under tree cover or in a shaded garden.
Soil and substrate
Opt for a rich, organic, very well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix. A mixture of leaf mold, sphagnum, and pine bark works perfectly. Ensure good drainage to prevent rhizome rot.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced diluted fertilizer every 15 to 20 days during the growing period (April to September). Prefer moderate feeding: this fern is not demanding and excess fertilizer can damage it.
Pruning and cleaning
No strict pruning is necessary. Simply remove dead or damaged fronds at their base. Regular cleaning of old fronds helps the plant concentrate its energy on new growth.
Diseases and pests
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites in overly dry air. Root rot can occur if the substrate is waterlogged. Improve ventilation and adjust watering if problems arise. No aggressive chemical treatments are recommended on ferns.
Did you know?
Dicksonia antarctica is a true living relic: its ancestors populated the Earth over 300 million years ago, in the age of the great dinosaurs. Its impressive form and majestic fronds make it a spectacular element for shaded gardens, capable of transforming a space into a real prehistoric forest.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Dicksonia squarrosaDicksonia squarrosa
- Calochlaena dubiaCalochlaena dubia
- CamelliaCamellia japonica
- Pedunculate oakQuercus robur
- GrapevineVitis vinifera
- SageSalvia officinalis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.