Australian Tree Fern
Of the roughly 12,000 species of ferns in the world, the Australian Tree fern (cyathea cooper ) is likely one of the largest, at least as far as a fern grown for ornamental purposes is concerned. As the name implies, it is native to Australia. As a landscape plant, for which is well suited and attractive, it is limited to certain areas in the United States. You can find the fern in landscape settings, and next to swimming pools, in southern California, Arizona, and the Gulf states. The fern will not tolerate frost, limiting it to these few areas.
Ferns have been around for at least 300 million years, and were here even before the dinosaurs. They are present in every part of the globe, with the exception of the polar regions. Most species are native to tropical climates, the Australian tree fern being one of these. Artists' depictions of life in the Jurassic era, more often than not featured ferns, together with the more fearsome creatures. By its appearance, the Australian tree fern fits quite nicely in such a picture.
The Australian fern typically grows to 15' to 20' in height, though it has been known to reach heights of around 30'. Its lacy fronds are 12" to 18" long, and will form a canopy t up to 12' wide. It has a woolly trunk that can reach a foot in diameter.
While a tropical plant, the Australian tree fern prefers partial to full shade, the latter being best. The fern can be grown in full sun, although this may lead to the fronds becoming yellowish. In such a case, keeping the trunk moist will help, as it is the drying of the plant, rather than simply the sunlight itself, which is the cause of the problem.
Like other ferns, it likes a sandy, loamy, moist soil, and requires regular watering, though one needs to be careful not to over water. A regular, light feeding during the growing season is also recommended, especially since it is a fast growing plant. The fern is very attractive on a patio, and can be quite spectacular as an indoor plant. In this respect, a word of caution is in order. In pruning the plant, or otherwise handling it in any manner, care must be taken to avoid getting fern fibers on your skin, or in your clothing. The fiber is prickly, a cause of skin irritation and, in some people, an allergic reaction. Once aware of this, you can best decide where, or if, an Australian Tree fern belongs in your household.
The fern is generally pest and disease resistant, although it can be bothered at times by mites and mealy bugs. It does encounter one pest which most ferns are not usually associated with. Termites in its trunk!