Chilean tree fern Plant Care

Chilean tree fern (Thyrsopteris elegans) belongs to the Thyrsopteridaceae family within the Thyrsopteris genus. Chilean tree fern is native to the Juan Fernandez Archipelago off the coast of Chile.

Chilean tree fern displays a large, spreading fern growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Chilean tree fern produces non-flowering.

Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chilean tree fern 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.

Chilean tree fern thrives in filtered sunlight to partial shade. Avoid placing Chilean tree fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Thyrsopteris elegans tolerates 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.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Chilean tree fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chilean tree fern 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 filtered sunlight to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chilean tree fern 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.

Chilean tree fern can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Chilean tree fern 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.

Chilean tree fern 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.

Chilean tree fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes.

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Chilean tree fern is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Chilean tree fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Chilean tree fern is native to the Juan Fernandez Archipelago off the coast of Chile. In cooler regions, grow Chilean tree fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.