The Dicksonia antarctica, also known as the Tasmanian tree fern, is a beautiful plant with a unique growth process. In just a few weeks, the fern develops from a bare trunk to a fully-grown tree. In this article, we will tell you all about this process and the origin of the Dicksonia, as well as provide tips on how to care for this plant.
Origin
The Dicksonia antarctica is a tree fern from the Dicksoniaceae family. The fern is native to moist cloud forests along the rivers on the island of Tasmania, located below Australia. In the Netherlands, this plant is therefore also called the Tasmanian tree fern. The Dicksonia antarctica can grow up to 15 metres high. The growth process of the plant is unique: the leaf stems literally roll out from the core of the trunk to form graceful leaves that eventually reach a length of 2 to 4 metres.
Care
Location
The Dicksonia antarctica grows naturally in the tropics and humid forests, but the plant can also be found at high altitudes. This makes the fern suitable for a cooler climate. The Dicksonia can be placed both indoors and outdoors. When choosing a location, it is important to keep the natural environment of the Dicksonia in mind. The fern grows naturally under taller trees, which protect the plant from wind and too much sunlight. Take this into account by placing the Dicksonia in a sheltered spot out of the wind. This will also ensure that the fern, which is frost-resistant to around -5 °C, can remain outside during a moderate winter. In addition, the fern prefers a shady spot. If the fern is a little older, it can also be placed in partial shade. Therefore, do not place the plant directly in front of a window, but rather a few metres away from it.
Watering
The Dicksonia antarctica is a real jungle plant and therefore needs a lot of water in the spring and summer months. To determine whether the plant needs water, you can feel the soil around the trunk. If it feels dry at about a centimetre deep, the plant needs to be watered. This is not done by wetting the soil directly, but by pouring water through the top of the trunk into the core. If the roots of the Dicksonia remain dry for too long, the plant may die. Therefore, it is important to water regularly so that the soil remains moist. At the same time, the soil should not be soaked. If the fern stands in stagnant water for too long, root rot may occur. Make sure that the soil is well-drained and that there are drainage holes in the pot to allow the water to drain away. In the winter, when there is a lack of light, it is best to keep the plant dormant. The plant will then require little or no water.
Spraying and temperature
A high level of humidity is very important for the Dicksonia. Since the trunk of the Dicksonia antarctica consists of roots and remnants of old leaf stalks, it has a tendency to dry out quickly. To prevent this, the stem should be sprayed regularly, especially if the fern is kept indoors. It can be difficult to maintain the high humidity in an indoor location. In that case, choose a cooler location. If the plant is placed outside, the trunk should be protected from frost at temperatures of -5 °C. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can damage the trunk.