Alsophila lepidoclada Plant Care
Alsophila lepidoclada Christ in K.Schum. & Laut.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Alsophila lepidoclada is a species of tree fern native to central and eastern New Guinea, where it is locally common in rainforest and mossy forest at an elevation of 200–1,000 metres (660–3,280 ft) above sea level. The trunk of this species is erect and usually 2–3 m tall.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Alsophila lepidoclada?
Water Alsophila lepidoclada 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 lepidoclada Native To?
What Is the Alsophila lepidoclada?
Alsophila lepidoclada (Alsophila lepidoclada) belongs to the Cyatheaceae family within the Alsophila genus. Alsophila lepidoclada is native to central and eastern New Guinea.
Alsophila lepidoclada displays a large, tree-like fern growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Alsophila lepidoclada produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alsophila lepidoclada?
Alsophila lepidoclada 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 lepidoclada Need?
Alsophila lepidoclada thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Alsophila lepidoclada 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 lepidoclada Prefer?
Alsophila lepidoclada grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Alsophila lepidoclada 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 lepidoclada?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Alsophila lepidoclada to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Alsophila lepidoclada?
Feed Alsophila lepidoclada 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 lepidoclada?
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 lepidoclada?
Alsophila lepidoclada can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tree fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Alsophila lepidoclada Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Alsophila lepidoclada, 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 lepidoclada?
Alsophila lepidoclada 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 lepidoclada Need?
Alsophila lepidoclada grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Alsophila lepidoclada is native to central and eastern New Guinea. In cooler regions, grow Alsophila lepidoclada as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Alsophila lepidoclada 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 lepidoclada 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 lepidoclada Christ in K.Schum. & Laut., family Cyatheaceae (first published in Fl. Schutzgeb. Südsee , Nachtr.: 37 (1905)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Alsophila lepidoclada, 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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