New Guinea tree fern Plant Care
Todea papuana Hennipman
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to the rainforests of Papua New Guinea, this plant's most striking feature is its long, arching fronds with a distinctive glossy texture. Plant collectors are drawn to Todea papuana for its elegant appearance and unique fern-like foliage that adds a touch of tropical flair to any indoor space.
Every 3–5 days
Filtered sunlight
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for New Guinea tree fern?
Water New Guinea tree fern 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.
What Is the New Guinea tree fern?
New Guinea tree fern (Todea papuana) belongs to the Osmundaceae family within the Todea genus. New Guinea tree fern is native to Papua New Guinea, Indonesia. New Guinea tree fern is also known as Papuan king fern.
New Guinea tree fern displays a large, fern-like growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. New Guinea tree fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a New Guinea tree fern?
Todea papuana 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 New Guinea tree fern Need?
New Guinea tree fern thrives in filtered sunlight. Avoid placing New Guinea tree fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the New Guinea tree fern Prefer?
Todea papuana grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. New Guinea tree fern 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 New Guinea tree fern?
Rich, moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for New Guinea tree fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a New Guinea tree fern?
Feed New Guinea 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 New Guinea 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 New Guinea tree fern?
New Guinea tree fern can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kersboom plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the New Guinea tree fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list New Guinea 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 New Guinea tree fern?
New Guinea tree fern 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 New Guinea tree fern Need?
New Guinea tree fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. New Guinea tree fern is native to Papua New Guinea, Indonesia. In cooler regions, grow New Guinea tree fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
New Guinea 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 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.
New Guinea tree fern produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Todea papuana Hennipman, family Osmundaceae (first published in Blumea 16: 105, f. 1 (1968)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list New Guinea 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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