Fern Tree Plant Care

Fern Tree (Filicium decipiens) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Filicium genus. Fern Tree is native to east Africa, Madagascar, India and Sri Lanka. Fern Tree is also known as Sugar Plum.

Fern Tree displays a medium-sized tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 25 ft. Fern Tree produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fern Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Fern Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Filicium decipiens tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Fern Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Fern Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Fern Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fern Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Fern Tree can spread to about 25 ft (7.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 25 ft (7.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Fern Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Fern Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Fern Tree can be propagated through seeds, air layering.

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Fern Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. 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.

Fern Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Fern Tree is native to east Africa, Madagascar, India and Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Fern Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.