Photo: D-rewCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Rough Tree Fern Plant Care
Dicksonia squarrosa (G.Forst.) Sw.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking erect fronds that resemble large, green shuttlecocks, this plant originates from the cool, moist forests of New Zealand. Plant collectors are often drawn to Dicksonia squarrosa for its unique prehistoric appearance and ability to thrive in shady, damp environments, making it a captivating addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to dappled shade
60–75°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Rough Tree Fern?
Water Rough 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 Rough Tree Fern Native To?
What Is the Rough Tree Fern?
Rough Tree Fern (Dicksonia squarrosa) belongs to the Dicksoniaceae family within the Dicksonia genus. Rough Tree Fern is native to New Zealand. Rough Tree Fern is also known as Wheki, Balantium squarrosum, Dicksonia gracilis.
Rough Tree Fern displays a large, tree-like fern growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Rough Tree Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rough Tree Fern?
Dicksonia squarrosa 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 Rough Tree Fern Need?
Rough Tree Fern thrives in bright indirect to dappled shade. Avoid placing Rough 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 Rough Tree Fern Prefer?
Dicksonia squarrosa grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Rough 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 Rough Tree Fern?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Rough Tree Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rough Tree Fern?
Feed Rough 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 Rough 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 Rough Tree Fern?
Rough Tree Fern can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tasmanian tree fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Rough Tree Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Rough 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 Rough Tree Fern?
Rough 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 Rough Tree Fern Need?
Rough Tree Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Rough Tree Fern is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Rough Tree Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Rough 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.
Rough 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 squarrosa (G.Forst.) Sw., family Dicksoniaceae (first published in J. Bot. (Schrader) 1800(2): 90. 1801 1800 ; & HB. 51. Chr. 314. NPfl. 120) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Rough 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: D-rew, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 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.
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