Photo: Tatania GerusCC BY 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Obtuse Tree Fern Plant Care
Cyathea obtusa Domin
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cyathea obtusa is a species of fern in the family Cyatheaceae, native to Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela (including the Venezuelan Antilles), and the Windward Islands. It was first described by Domin in 1929.
Every 7–10 days
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
60–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Obtuse Tree Fern?
Water Obtuse Tree Fern 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 Obtuse Tree Fern Native To?
What Is the Obtuse Tree Fern?
Obtuse Tree Fern (Cyathea obtusa) belongs to the Cyatheaceae family within the Cyathea genus. Obtuse Tree Fern is native to Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and the Windward Islands. Obtuse Tree Fern is also known as Cnemidaria grandifolia, Cyathea minita, Cyathea kohautiana.
Obtuse Tree Fern displays a large, tree-like fern growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Obtuse Tree Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Obtuse Tree Fern?
Cyathea obtusa 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 Obtuse Tree Fern Need?
Obtuse Tree Fern thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Obtuse 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 Obtuse Tree Fern Prefer?
Cyathea obtusa grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Obtuse Tree Fern 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 Obtuse Tree Fern?
Well-draining, rich organic soil with high moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Obtuse Tree Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Obtuse Tree Fern?
Feed Obtuse 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 Obtuse 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 Obtuse Tree Fern?
Obtuse Tree Fern 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 Obtuse Tree Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Obtuse 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 Obtuse Tree Fern?
Obtuse 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 Obtuse Tree Fern Need?
Obtuse Tree Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Obtuse Tree Fern is native to Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and the Windward Islands. In cooler regions, grow Obtuse Tree Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Obtuse 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 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.
Obtuse Tree Fern 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 obtusa Domin, family Cyatheaceae (first published in Pteridophyta : 263 (1929)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Obtuse 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.
- Photo: Tatania Gerus, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- 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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