Care of the fern Dicksonia antarctica or Soft tree fern |
|
The genus Dicksonia, family Dicksoniaceae, includes 20 species of ferns native to New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Mexico, Central America, and Indonesia. Some species are: Dicksonia antarctica, Dicksonia sellowiana, Dicksonia arborescens, Dicksonia fibrosa, Dicksonia squarrosa. Common names: Soft tree fern, Tasmanian tree fern, Australian tree fern, Man fern. This species is native to Tasmania, Australia. They are slow-growing ferns that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. The trunk is actually an erect rhizome; They have pretty, decorative, dark green fronds (leaves). They are used in regions with a temperate-cool marine climate as isolated specimens or in groups of 2-3 specimens, always in shady areas of the garden. Dicksonia antarctica needs shade exposure and should never be in direct sunlight; a very appropriate place is in the shade of dense trees. They resist frost. The soil must be soft, cool and retain moisture; mix garden substrate, peat, and leaf mulch. Irrigation must be frequent and abundant, especially in dry climate regions (Mediterranean climate); the soil can be flooded because they need high humidity. They do not need pruning. The worst enemy is the lack of water and the environmental dryness; they tolerate small periods of drought in the substrate. They propagate spontaneously by spores; propagation is almost impossible for the amateur gardener. |
Images of the fern Dicksonia antarctica or Soft tree fern |
 Dicksonia antarctica  Dicksonia antarctica  Dicksonia antarctica  Dicksonia antarctica |