Please note: current specimens are in 4” pots and have just started to develop trunks. Achieving a sizeable trunk may take years to decades depending on your growing conditions!

The spreading crown of many fibrous, spiny, dark glossy green arching fronds sits atop a massive soft fibrous brown furry caudex or crown. Dicksonia fronds are tripinnate (three times divided) to tri-pinnatifid with the middle pinnae always longest. As the "trunks" mature they become an excellent host for a variety of epiphytes, such as orchids or tropical ferns. It is reported that parrots and possums eat the young croziers and that the latter favor camping out in the crown! In zones 8 and below patience is essential as it takes years for these to develop sizeable trunks; achieving a trunk of 3-4’ may take a decade or so.

While it is evergreen in mild climates it may be semi to sub evergreen in zone 8 and below. Situate in a site with good morning or afternoon light exposure and even moisture, avoiding direct mid-day sun. Deep shade is not preferable in areas with short growing seasons, as it is often too dark and cool for tree ferns to photosynthesize and grow effectively. Do not cut old fronds until new croziers appear. In zones 8 and below, we recommend overwintering inside OR wrapping the trunk with some type of insulation from November to March to protect the crown and trunk from frost. Dicksonia antarctica does not seem to grow well in areas with hot humid summers; Dicksonia fibrosa has been more reliable in the southeastern US. Areas with good drainage, adequate light and some air movement are recommended for best results in the summer months.

Frond Condition: Evergreen to Sub-Evergreen, depending on climate

Mature Height: 3-15'+, fronds 6-9’

Origin: Tasmania, Australia

Requirements: Part Sun to Part Shade, Evenly Moist

USDA Zones: Zone 8 (with frost protection), 9, 10 or as a houseplant