Hawaiian tree fern Plant Care
Cibotium glaucum (Sm.) Hook. & Arn.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cibotium glaucum, the hāpu‘u pulu, is a species of fern in the family Cyatheaceae, native to Hawaii. A slow-growing tree fern typically 6 to 10 ft tall but reaching 25 ft (8 m), it is hardy in USDA zones 10 through 12.
Every 7–14 days
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hawaiian tree fern?
Water Hawaiian tree fern every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered sunlight or partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Hawaiian tree fern Native To?
What Is the Hawaiian tree fern?
Hawaiian tree fern (Cibotium glaucum) belongs to the Cibotiaceae family within the Cibotium genus. Hawaiian tree fern is native to Hawaii. Hawaiian tree fern is also known as Smooth tree fern.
Hawaiian tree fern displays a large, upright fern growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Hawaiian tree fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hawaiian tree fern?
Cibotium glaucum 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 Hawaiian tree fern Need?
Hawaiian tree fern thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Hawaiian tree fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hawaiian tree fern Prefer?
Cibotium glaucum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Hawaiian tree fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hawaiian tree fern?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Hawaiian tree fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hawaiian tree fern?
Feed Hawaiian tree fern 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 Hawaiian tree fern?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. 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 Hawaiian tree fern?
Hawaiian tree fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hawaiian tree fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hawaiian tree fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hawaiian tree fern, 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 Hawaiian tree fern?
Hawaiian tree fern is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. 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 Hawaiian tree fern Need?
Hawaiian tree fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Hawaiian tree fern is native to Hawaii. In cooler regions, grow Hawaiian tree fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Hawaiian tree fern 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 Cibotium genus — compare its care with other Cibotium species on PlantoScan.
Cibotium is part of the Cibotiaceae plant family — browse all Cibotiaceae genera and species.
Hawaiian tree fern thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cibotium glaucum (Sm.) Hook. & Arn., family Cibotiaceae (first published in Bot. Beechey Voy. 108. 1832 ; & NPfl. 121) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hawaiian tree fern, 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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