Cyathea copelandii Plant Care

Cyathea copelandii Kuhn & Luerss.; Luerss.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its striking silver underside, Cyathea copelandii's fronds are a standout feature in any collection. Originating from the Philippines, this rare tree fern is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in tropical environments. Its eye-catching appearance and exotic origin make it a must-have for enthusiasts looking to add a touch of the jungle to their garden.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Filtered sunlight or partial shade

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Cyathea copelandii?

Water Cyathea copelandii every 7–10 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 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Cyathea copelandii Native To?

Native range20 countries

What Is the Cyathea copelandii?

Cyathea copelandii (Cyathea copelandii) belongs to the Cyatheaceae family within the Cyathea genus. Cyathea copelandii is native to Central America, and much of South America.

Cyathea copelandii displays a large, tree-like fern growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Cyathea copelandii produces non-flowering.

Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Cyathea copelandii?

Cyathea copelandii requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Cyathea copelandii Need?

Cyathea copelandii thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Cyathea copelandii 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 Cyathea copelandii Prefer?

Cyathea copelandii grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Cyathea copelandii prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cyathea copelandii?

Well-draining, rich organic soil with high moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cyathea copelandii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Cyathea copelandii?

Feed Cyathea copelandii 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 Cyathea copelandii?

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 Cyathea copelandii?

Cyathea copelandii can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to silver tree fern plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Cyathea copelandii Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Cyathea copelandii, 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 Cyathea copelandii?

Cyathea copelandii 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 Cyathea copelandii Need?

Cyathea copelandii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cyathea copelandii is native to Central America, and much of South America. In cooler regions, grow Cyathea copelandii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Cyathea copelandii 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 Cyathea genus — compare its care with other Cyathea species on PlantoScan.

Cyathea is part of the Cyatheaceae plant family — browse all Cyatheaceae genera and species.

Cyathea copelandii produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.

More Cyathea Species

Other Cyathea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Cyathea copelandii Kuhn & Luerss.; Luerss., family Cyatheaceae (first published in Abh. Naturwiss. Vereins Bremen 7: 278. 1882) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cyathea copelandii, 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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