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Plant Profiles / Soft tree fern
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Soft tree fern
Dicksonia antarctica · Man fern, Tasmanian tree fern
A fibrous trunk crowned with a canopy of soft, arching fronds. Brings instant rainforest drama to shady spots.
Part to full shadeLight
Every 2–3 days in summerWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Part to full shade
ShadeFull sun
Shelter from hot sun and wind.
Water
Every 2–3 days in summer
DryWet
Water the trunk and crown.
Humidity
High
LowHigh
Likes humidity.
Temperature
-5–30°C (23–86°F)
CoolWarm
Protect crown in hard frost.
Growth
Slow
SlowFast
Trunk grows 3–5 cm a year.
Soil
Rich, moist soil
LeanRich
Compost-rich mix.
Fertiliser
Monthly in summer
RarelyOften
Diluted fertiliser on the trunk.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to pets.
About this plant
Native to south-eastern Australia and Tasmania, soft tree ferns grow slowly. Water the trunk as well as the roots, as it absorbs moisture.
Best spots
Shaded courtyards, south-facing balconies and fern gardens.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Dicksonia antarctica |
| Family | Dicksoniaceae |
| Origin | South-eastern Australia |
| Plant type | Tree fern |
| Mature size | 2–5 m |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Leaves | Arching fronds |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Spores |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Plant
Fertilise
Remove old fronds
Water more
PlantFertiliseRemove old frondsWater more
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Brown fronds | Too dry or windy. |
| No new fronds | Dry trunk; water the top. |
| Frond burn | Too much sun. |
| Collapse | Crown dried out. |
Common questions
Is it native?
Yes.
How do I water it?
Water the trunk and crown.
Is it pet safe?
Yes.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes, a large one.
