Photo: © Daniel IseliPlantoScanImage: PlantoScan
Tasmanian Tree Fern Plant Care
Dicksonia antarctica Labill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique fern species is easily recognized by its large, coiled fronds that unfurl as they grow. Originating from Australia, Dicksonia antarctica is highly sought after by plant collectors for its elegant and prehistoric appearance, adding a touch of exotic beauty to any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to dappled shade
60–75°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Tasmanian Tree Fern?
Water Tasmanian Tree Fern every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to dappled shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tasmanian Tree Fern Native To?
What Is the Tasmanian Tree Fern?
Tasmanian Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica) belongs to the Dicksoniaceae family within the Dicksonia genus. Tasmanian Tree Fern is native to eastern Australia, ranging from south-east Queensland to Tasmania. Tasmanian Tree Fern is also known as Soft Tree Fern, Man Fern.
Tasmanian Tree Fern displays a large, tree-like fern growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Tasmanian Tree Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tasmanian Tree Fern?
Dicksonia antarctica 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 Tasmanian Tree Fern Need?
Tasmanian Tree Fern thrives in bright indirect to dappled shade. Avoid placing Tasmanian Tree Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to dappled shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tasmanian Tree Fern Prefer?
Dicksonia antarctica grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Tasmanian Tree Fern prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tasmanian Tree Fern?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Tasmanian Tree Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tasmanian Tree Fern?
Feed Tasmanian Tree Fern every 8 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 8 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 Tasmanian 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 Tasmanian Tree Fern?
Tasmanian Tree Fern can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tree fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tasmanian Tree Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tasmanian 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 Tasmanian Tree Fern?
Tasmanian Tree Fern 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 Tasmanian Tree Fern Need?
Tasmanian Tree Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Tasmanian Tree Fern is native to eastern Australia, ranging from south-east Queensland to Tasmania.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8b – 11a
Keep exploring plants
Tasmanian 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 Dicksonia genus — compare its care with other Dicksonia species on PlantoScan.
Dicksonia is part of the Dicksoniaceae plant family — browse all Dicksoniaceae genera and species.
Tasmanian 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: Dicksonia antarctica Labill., family Dicksoniaceae (first published in Nov. Holl. Pl. 2: 100, t.249. 1806 ; & HB. 50. Chr. 314. NPfl. 120) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tasmanian 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: © Daniel Iseli, PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8b – 11a, 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.
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