Alsophila commutata Plant Care
Alsophila commutata Mett.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Gymnosphaera commutata is a Malesian species of tree fern found in wet and swampy forests.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Alsophila commutata?
Water Alsophila commutata every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Alsophila commutata?
Alsophila commutata (Alsophila commutata) belongs to the Cyatheaceae family within the Alsophila genus. Alsophila commutata is native to wet and swampy forests.
Alsophila commutata displays a large, tree-like fern growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Alsophila commutata produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alsophila commutata?
Alsophila commutata requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Alsophila commutata Need?
Alsophila commutata thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Alsophila commutata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Alsophila commutata Prefer?
Alsophila commutata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Alsophila commutata prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Alsophila commutata?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Alsophila commutata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Alsophila commutata?
Feed Alsophila commutata every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Alsophila commutata?
Repot every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Alsophila commutata?
Alsophila commutata can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tree fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Alsophila commutata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Alsophila commutata, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Alsophila commutata?
Alsophila commutata is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Alsophila commutata Need?
Alsophila commutata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Alsophila commutata is native to wet and swampy forests. In cooler regions, grow Alsophila commutata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Alsophila commutata is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Alsophila genus — compare its care with other Alsophila species on PlantoScan.
Alsophila is part of the Cyatheaceae plant family — browse all Cyatheaceae genera and species.
Alsophila commutata copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Alsophila Species
Other Alsophila species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Alsophila commutata Mett., family Cyatheaceae (first published in Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavi 1: 53 (1863)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Alsophila commutata, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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