Chilean tree fern Plant Care
Lophosoria quadripinnata (J.F.Gmel.) C.Chr. in Skottsb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lophosoria quadripinnata (J.F.Gmel.) C.Chr. is a species of fern that, according to DNA molecular analysis, belongs to the family Dicksoniaceae, where it is placed in the genus Lophosoria.
Every 7–10 days
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
60–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Chilean tree fern?
Water Chilean 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 Chilean tree fern Native To?
What Is the Chilean tree fern?
Chilean tree fern (Lophosoria quadripinnata) belongs to the Dicksoniaceae family within the Lophosoria genus. Chilean tree fern is native to the Americas spanning from Cuba and Mexico to Chile. Chilean tree fern is also known as Lophosoria fern.
Chilean tree fern displays a large, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Chilean tree fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Chilean tree fern?
Lophosoria quadripinnata 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 Chilean tree fern Need?
Chilean tree fern thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Chilean 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 Chilean tree fern Prefer?
Lophosoria quadripinnata grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Chilean 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 Chilean tree fern?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Chilean tree fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Chilean tree fern?
Feed Chilean 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 Chilean 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 Chilean tree fern?
Chilean tree fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to andean tree fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Chilean tree fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Chilean 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 Chilean tree fern?
Chilean 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 Chilean tree fern Need?
Chilean tree fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Chilean tree fern is native to the Americas spanning from Cuba and Mexico to Chile. In cooler regions, grow Chilean tree fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Chilean 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 Lophosoria genus — compare its care with other Lophosoria species on PlantoScan.
Lophosoria is part of the Dicksoniaceae plant family — browse all Dicksoniaceae genera and species.
Chilean 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: Lophosoria quadripinnata (J.F.Gmel.) C.Chr. in Skottsb., family Dicksoniaceae (first published in Nat. Hist. Juan Fernandez (Botany) 2: 16. 1920) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Chilean 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.
- 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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