Dicksonia antarctica: everything you should know

Dicksonia antarctica, also known as the soft tree fern, is a beautiful plant that provides any garden or exterior with an exotic appearance. If you are considering adding Dicksonia antarctica to your collection, you should know what to expect. That is why MyPalmShop is happy to explain everything you should know about the Soft Tree Fern.

Origin of Dicksonia antarctica

Dicksonia antarctica is an evergreen fern (although its leaves will die off with -5 degrees) that originates in South East Australia, particularly on the island of Tasmania. It is one of the oldest plant species still around and can reach ages of 500 years or older. The soft tree fern can reach a height of 10 metres tall with an impressive trunk and gorgeous, long leaves of up to two metres long (although in Australia they can reach up to four metres).

Caring for your Dicksonia antarctica

Dicksonia antarctica is not a difficult plant to take care of, but it does require a bit of work. Give the tree fern a good amount of water, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil and the trunk humid, and place it in a spot with shade and shelter against hard winds and severe frosts. If you would like to keep Dicksonia antarctica in a pot, provide a large enough pot with well drained soil. Add some organic fertilizer to boost the growth of your tree fern.

Planting Dicksonia antarctica in your garden

If you would like to plant Dicksonia antarctica in your garden, it is important to place it in a suitable spot. Choose a location with enough shade and protection against harsh winds and severe frosts. Dig a hole that is about twice as large as the root ball of the plant and add some fertilizer where applicable. Place the plant in the hole and fill it with soil. Press the soil and give sufficient water to the plant.

Advantages of Dicksonia antarctica

Dicksonia antarctica has various advantages, such as:

1. An exotic appearance: with is large trunk and long leaves, the tree fern provides your garden or exterior with a tropical ambiance.
2. Air purifying: as with other plants, Dicksonia antarctica purifies the air and creates a cleaner environment.
3. A piece of history: Dicksonia antarctica is one of the oldest plant species in the world and can reach over 500 years old. By adding this plant to your collection, you can add a piece of history to your garden.

Multiplying Dicksonia Antarctica

Dicksonia antarctica can be grown through its spores. This is a slightly more complicated process, but it is the most natural way to multiply the plant. To collect the spores, you have to wait for the leaves to fold out completely. Shake the leaves carefully to release the spores and catch them with a piece of paper. Leave the spores to dry for two days. Afterwards, scatter the spores over humid potting soil and cover the pot with plastic to keep the water caught inside the pot. After several weeks, the small ferns will appear.

Conclusion

Dicksonia antarctica is a beautiful plant that provides an exotic look to your garden or interior. It is easily taken care of with a small amount of work. By planting and caring for the palm properly, you can have it for many years to come. If you are interested in adding Dicksonia antarctica to your collection of plants, you can buy it at several plant centres and online stores such as MyPalmShop.