Photo: Tatania GerusCC BY 2.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Alsophila crassicaula Plant Care
Sphaeropteris ledermannii (Brause) R.M.Tryon
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive feature is its large, glossy, leathery fronds that can reach up to 6 feet in length. Originating from New Guinea, Sphaeropteris ledermannii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its elegant appearance and ability to thrive in tropical climates.
Every 7–14 days
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
60–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Alsophila crassicaula?
Water Alsophila crassicaula every 7–14 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 Alsophila crassicaula Native To?
What Is the Alsophila crassicaula?
Alsophila crassicaula (Sphaeropteris ledermannii) belongs to the Cyatheaceae family within the Sphaeropteris genus. Alsophila crassicaula is native to New Guinea. Alsophila crassicaula is also known as Cyathea ledermannii, Cyathea ledermannii var. quadripinnata, Cyathea macrophylla.
Alsophila crassicaula displays a large, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Alsophila crassicaula produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alsophila crassicaula?
Sphaeropteris ledermannii 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 Alsophila crassicaula Need?
Alsophila crassicaula thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Alsophila crassicaula 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 Alsophila crassicaula Prefer?
Sphaeropteris ledermannii grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Alsophila crassicaula 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 Alsophila crassicaula?
Well-draining, rich, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Alsophila crassicaula to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Alsophila crassicaula?
Feed Alsophila crassicaula 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 Alsophila crassicaula?
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 Alsophila crassicaula?
Alsophila crassicaula can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cooper's tree fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Alsophila crassicaula Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Alsophila crassicaula, 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 Alsophila crassicaula?
Alsophila crassicaula 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 Alsophila crassicaula Need?
Alsophila crassicaula grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Alsophila crassicaula is native to New Guinea. In cooler regions, grow Alsophila crassicaula as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Alsophila crassicaula 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 Sphaeropteris genus — compare its care with other Sphaeropteris species on PlantoScan.
Sphaeropteris is part of the Cyatheaceae plant family — browse all Cyatheaceae genera and species.
Alsophila crassicaula thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Sphaeropteris Species
Other Sphaeropteris species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sphaeropteris ledermannii (Brause) R.M.Tryon, family Cyatheaceae (first published in Contr. Gray Herb. 200: 22 (1970)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Alsophila crassicaula, 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: Tatania Gerus, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- 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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