Photo: Jeremy GilmoreCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Kersboom Plant Care
Todea barbara (L.) T.Moore
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Featuring striking fronds that resemble a cascading waterfall, this plant originates from New Zealand. Its unique beauty and rarity make it highly sought after by plant collectors looking to add a touch of elegance to their indoor jungle.
Every 3–5 days
Filtered sunlight
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Kersboom?
Water Kersboom every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered sunlight. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Kersboom Native To?
What Is the Kersboom?
Kersboom (Todea barbara) belongs to the Osmundaceae family within the Todea genus. Kersboom is native to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Kersboom is also known as Todea Fern, Wild Todea.
Kersboom displays a large, fern-like growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Kersboom produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kersboom?
Todea barbara requires watering every 3–5 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 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Kersboom Need?
Kersboom thrives in filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Kersboom in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kersboom Prefer?
Todea barbara grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Kersboom prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kersboom?
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Kersboom to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kersboom?
Feed Kersboom 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 Kersboom?
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 Kersboom?
Kersboom can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to new guinea tree fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Kersboom Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kersboom, 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 Kersboom?
Kersboom is susceptible to slugs, snails. 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 Kersboom Need?
Kersboom grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Kersboom is native to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Kersboom as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Kersboom 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 Todea genus — compare its care with other Todea species on PlantoScan.
Todea is part of the Osmundaceae plant family — browse all Osmundaceae genera and species.
Kersboom produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Todea barbara (L.) T.Moore, family Osmundaceae (first published in Index Fil. : cxix (1857)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kersboom, 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: Jeremy Gilmore, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — 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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