While the Australian tree fern doesn't have any major issues with diseases or pests, it can be hit by the occasional bought of mites or mealybugs. Keep the soil moist at all times. Eventually, it will likely outgrow both the pot and the room. This fern is native to Australia, particularly Victoria, coastal New South Wales, Tasmania, and Queensland. Typically, when we think of ferns, we picture plants such as painted ferns (Athyrium niponicum), which achieve a mature height of just 18 inches. Tree ferns are wonderfully evocative plants to use to create a rainforest feel in the garden and Australia has some of the best for cultivation, particularly the rough tree fern (Cyathea australis) and the soft tree fern (Dicksonia Antarctica). Australian Tree Fern The species Cyathea australis, Cyathea cooperi, and Dicksonia antarctica are referred to as the Australian tree ferns. When the plant reaches the maximum size allowed by the growing space, stop repotting to slow growth. The average height of this evergreen fern is 3 feet, and it thrives in zones 7 through 10. Australian Tree Fern. A liquid fertiliser can be applied in the same way from the second year after planting. Japanese painted ferns, however, have burgundy stems with silver foliage, which looks as though it has been brushed with dashes of red and blue. Australian tree ferns are not drought-tolerant and need weekly watering, with especially high levels of moisture or humidity in dry weather. C. cooperi, the Lacy Tree Fern, derives this name from its delicate fronds. Australian tree ferns (Sphaeropteris cooperi and also known as Cyathea cooperi) are members of the family Cyatheaceae. When properly cared for it can grow quite large, typically 30 to 40 feet tall, with branching leaves that can spread up to 15 feet (8 to 10 feet being typical). It is a medium-sized fern with bright green, leathery fronds that reproduce by spores. Wax flower (Eriostemon) 1. These types of ferns can reach up to six feet high, and they have two different colored fronds that lend their name. There are over 10,000 species of ferns world wide and the Australian flora consists of more than 400 species.. Often considered the most majestic of all outdoor ferns, this variety gets its name from the long feather-like appearance of its fronds that resemble an ostrich’s tail feathers. How to Grow Tree Ferns. Characterized by lacy, feathery fronds, and a hair-like, scale-covered trunk, the fast-growing Australian tree fern can bring an exotic touch to any garden. When growing Tree Ferns it is recommended that the entire crown and stem be sprayed with water regularly, even after establishment. Winters. The hardiness of these ferns varies with the native range of the species, but the tropical species are frost tender. In colder areas, you can grow the fern in a container, giving you the flexibility to move it indoors for the fall and winter once temperatures drop too low. Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium australasicum)Also known as Crow’s nest fern, this species has undivided, pale green leathery fronds to 1m (3′) long. Fronds on mature specimens may reach 2m (6ft) or more in length. Australian tree ferns like a consistently warm and humid environment, with temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Australian tree fern may refer to any species of tree fern native to Australia, most commonly referring to: Cyathea australis; Cyathea cooperi; Dicksonia antarctica, a species of evergreen tree fern; This page is an index of articles on plant species (or higher taxonomic groups) with the same common name (vernacular name).