Dicksonia antartica

Few plants feel as ancient and enchanting as the soft tree fern, Dicksonia antarctica. With its slow-growing trunk and lush, feathery fronds, this fern brings a touch of the primordial forest to modern gardens. Native to the cool temperate rainforests of Tasmania and southeastern Australia, it thrives in damp, shaded conditions—making it ideal for shady corners, woodland gardens, or even cool bathrooms indoors. Small plants need special attention, especially in their early years, to ensure they grow into the stately, sculptural specimens they’re known to become.

Light

Tree ferns are woodland dwellers by nature. They prefer partial to full shade, sheltered from strong direct sunlight. Too much sun can scorch their delicate fronds, especially when young or potted.

Outdoors, they do best planted in dappled light under a canopy of trees or beside a cool, north or east-facing wall. Indoors, choose a bright but shaded spot away from harsh midday light—a cool hallway, shaded conservatory, or well-lit bathroom works well.

Watering

Moisture is absolutely essential. Both the soil and the trunk should be kept consistently moist but never soggy.

Water deeply and regularly, especially during warmer months. Check the top 5 centimetres of soil—if it feels just on the edge of dryness, it’s time to water. The most crucial habit is watering the crown (the growing point at the top of the trunk). Pour water gently into the crown every few days in dry weather to support frond emergence.

Humidity is just as important as hydration. Mist the fronds often, especially if grown indoors or during summer. Grouping with other plants, placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or using a room humidifier will all help mimic the fern’s natural, moisture-rich habitat.

Soil

These ferns grow best in humus-rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil that holds moisture yet drains freely. The ideal blend is loose and airy, allowing both water retention and oxygen flow to the roots.

For pots, create a mix of:

• Peat moss or coir

• Loam or loam-based compost

• Pine bark or composted bark chips

• Sand or perlite for drainage

If planting in the ground, enrich the soil with compost, leaf mould, or well-rotted manure. Avoid heavy clay (which holds too much water) or pure sand (which drains too fast and lacks nutrients). A layer of organic mulch around the base will help retain moisture and nourish the soil.

Feeding

Feeding is not intensive, but young plants benefit from a little extra help during the growing season (spring to early autumn).

Use a diluted liquid fertiliser—balanced or high in potassium—every four to six weeks. Alternatively, apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring. Some gardeners mist a diluted feed directly onto the trunk or fronds, since the trunk absorbs both moisture and nutrients in humid conditions.

Avoid overfeeding, particularly in low light or during dormancy.

Temperature and Winter Protection

While mature Dicksonia antarctica can tolerate light frosts (down to -5°C), young or small specimens are more vulnerable and benefit from protection in cold weather.

Ideally, they prefer a temperature range between 10°C and 24°C. If grown in a pot, move the plant to a greenhouse or sheltered area during severe frost spells.

To protect in winter:

• Water well before cold snaps to ensure internal hydration.

• Pack the crown with dry straw, bracken, or fleece to insulate it.

• Wrap the trunk loosely with hessian or breathable fleece (never plastic, which traps moisture and may cause rot).

• Tie fronds upward around the trunk to shield the crown from wind and frost.

Check regularly during winter for moisture buildup or mold, and remove coverings in milder spells to allow ventilation.

General Maintenance

These plants require very little pruning. Simply remove dead or damaged fronds by cutting them at the base, but avoid trimming healthy fronds—these help insulate the trunk and maintain humidity.

Repotting is only needed every few years. When the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container, move it to a slightly larger pot with fresh soil. Early spring is the best time to repot.

Pests are rare. The main risk to a young tree fern’s health is overwatering or poor drainage, which can lead to root or crown rot. Maintaining airflow, good hygiene, and proper watering routines are your best defences.

Special Notes for Small Plants

Young Dicksonia antarctica are more delicate than their mature counterparts. They require:

• Careful shelter from strong winds

• Consistently moist conditions, especially at the crown

• Higher humidity if grown indoors

• A cool environment away from radiators or intense sun

A small tree fern might not show dramatic growth in its first few years, but with the right care, it will gradually unfurl more fronds each season and begin to develop its characteristic trunk.

Final Thought
Caring for a young Dicksonia antarctica is an invitation to slow gardening. With a little patience, consistent care, and attention to its natural rhythms, this fern becomes a gentle, green monument to time—bringing prehistoric beauty and cool, shaded grace to gardens, balconies, and indoor spaces alike.

Let me know if you’d like a visual care card version for download or any regional-specific tips added (e.g. Cornish climate adaptations).