Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Delgadii Tree Fern Plant Care
Cyathea delgadii Sternb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its large, glossy, dark green fronds that can grow up to 6 feet long. Originating from the rainforests of Brazil, Cyathea delgadii is sought after by plant collectors for its impressive size and striking tropical appearance. With its elegant, arching fronds, this plant is sure to make a statement in any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
60–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Delgadii Tree Fern?
Water Delgadii 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 Delgadii Tree Fern Native To?
What Is the Delgadii Tree Fern?
Delgadii Tree Fern (Cyathea delgadii) belongs to the Cyatheaceae family within the Cyathea genus. Delgadii Tree Fern is native to Central America, and much of South America.
Delgadii Tree Fern displays a large, tree-like fern growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Delgadii Tree Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Delgadii Tree Fern?
Cyathea delgadii 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 Delgadii Tree Fern Need?
Delgadii Tree Fern thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Delgadii 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 Delgadii Tree Fern Prefer?
Cyathea delgadii grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Delgadii 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 Delgadii Tree Fern?
Well-draining, rich organic soil with high moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Delgadii Tree Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Delgadii Tree Fern?
Feed Delgadii 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 Delgadii 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 Delgadii Tree Fern?
Delgadii 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 Delgadii Tree Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Delgadii 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 Delgadii Tree Fern?
Delgadii 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 Delgadii Tree Fern Need?
Delgadii Tree Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Delgadii Tree Fern is native to Central America, and much of South America. In cooler regions, grow Delgadii Tree Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Delgadii 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.
Delgadii 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 delgadii Sternb., family Cyatheaceae (first published in Vers. Fl. Vorwelt 1: 47. 1820) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Delgadii 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Delgadii Tree Fern Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species