Dicksonia, the quintessential tree fern

dicksonia antarctica

La dicksonia It is by far the best known tree fern or tree fern. It can grow up to 15 meters in height, although it usually exceeds 5m. Its fronds (leaves) have a beautiful green color and can measure from 2 to 6 meters.

As it has a trunk that is 40cm thick in diameter, it is a wonderful potting plant.

Dicksonia Features

Dicksonia antarctica leaf

Dicksonia, known by the scientific name Balantium antarcticum (before dicksonia antarctica) is a fern native to Australia, specifically New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria. It grows in mountain forests, always under the shade of other tall plants, at a rate that is neither too slow nor too fast: from 3 to 5cm per year, reaching adulthood at 20 years, which is when it produces spores for the first time.

In cultivation it is a very interesting plant, either to plant in the garden or to have in a pot outside. Let's see what care it requires.

How do you take care of yourself?

Dicksonia antarctica specimen

If you would like to have a copy, follow our advice so that it always looks beautiful:

  • Location: outside, in semi-shade. It should not be in direct sunlight.
  • Soil or substrate: not demanding, but needs good drainage (in this article you have information on this topic).
  • Irrigation: it has to be frequent, preventing the soil from drying out. Use rainwater or lime-free.
  • Subscriber: During spring and summer it should be paid with organic fertilizers, liquids being highly recommended as they have a faster efficiency. Of course, you have to follow the instructions specified on the packaging to avoid risks.
  • Planting / Transplant timeWhether you want to plant it in the garden or change it pot, you have to do it in spring, when the frosts have passed.
  • Multiplication: by spores in spring.
  • Rusticity: it supports well the cold of up to -5ºC, but high temperatures (more than 30ºC) harm it.

Enjoy your fern 🙂.


4 comments, leave yours

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  1.   Nerio Alvarez Sanchez said

    Thanks for the information, it will be of great help.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Great, we're glad you like it 🙂

  2.   deborah said

    I need to buy a copy. As I do?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Debora.
      We recommend you search on ebay or amazon, or online nurseries.
      Regards!