Photo: Poyt448, Peter WoodardCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Alsophila macarthurii Plant Care
Alsophila leichhardtiana F.Muell.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its striking fronds that can reach up to 6 feet in length, making it a visually impressive addition to any indoor jungle. Originating from Australia, Alsophila leichhardtiana is a rare fern species that is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and exotic origin. Its prehistoric look and large size make it a desirable choice for those looking to create a tropical oasis in their home.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Alsophila macarthurii?
Water Alsophila macarthurii 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.
Where Is the Alsophila macarthurii Native To?
What Is the Alsophila macarthurii?
Alsophila macarthurii (Alsophila leichhardtiana) belongs to the Cyatheaceae family within the Alsophila genus. Alsophila macarthurii is native to eastern Australia. Alsophila macarthurii is also known as Alsophila moorei, Cyathea leichhardtiana, Hemitelia australis.
Alsophila macarthurii displays a large, tree-like fern growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Alsophila macarthurii produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alsophila macarthurii?
Alsophila leichhardtiana 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 macarthurii Need?
Alsophila macarthurii thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Alsophila macarthurii 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 macarthurii Prefer?
Alsophila leichhardtiana grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Alsophila macarthurii 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 macarthurii?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Alsophila macarthurii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Alsophila macarthurii?
Feed Alsophila macarthurii 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 macarthurii?
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 macarthurii?
Alsophila macarthurii can be propagated through spores.
Is the Alsophila macarthurii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Alsophila macarthurii, 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 macarthurii?
Alsophila macarthurii 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 macarthurii Need?
Alsophila macarthurii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Alsophila macarthurii is native to eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Alsophila macarthurii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Alsophila macarthurii 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 macarthurii copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Alsophila leichhardtiana F.Muell., family Cyatheaceae (first published in Fragm. 5(33): 53 (1865)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Alsophila macarthurii, 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.
- Photo: Poyt448, Peter Woodard, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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