Dicksonia antarctica – Soft tree fern

Description

Dicksonia antarctica (Soft Tree Fern or Man Fern)
Family: Dicksoniaceae
1 scoop – 500+ spores/seeds (adjustable via the dropdown menu)

💮 Description:
Dicksonia antarctica, commonly known as the Soft Tree Fern or Man Fern, is a hardy, evergreen tree fern native to eastern Australia and Tasmania. It features a stout, reddish-brown stem topped with a rosette of arching, dark green fronds that can reach up to 3 meters in length. This fern is known for its resilience and adaptability, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.

🌳 Key Features:

• Height: Typically grows to 4.5–5 meters; can reach up to 15 meters in ideal conditions.
• Fronds: Large, dark green, roughly-textured, arching fronds forming a canopy up to 2–6 meters in diameter.
• Soil Preference: Moist, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
• Light Requirements: Thrives in semi-shade to full shade; tolerates light frost once established.
• Hardiness: Cold-hardy and wind-tolerant; suitable for temperate climates.

☀️ Climate Suitability:

• Native Habitat: Moist, sheltered woodland slopes and gullies in southeastern Australia and Tasmania.
• Temperature Tolerance: Cold-hardy; can withstand light frost once established.
• Moisture Needs: Requires consistent moisture; dislikes waterlogged conditions.

🌱 Growing Conditions:

• Position: Prefers shaded to semi-shaded areas; protect young plants from direct sunlight.
• Soil: Rich in organic matter; incorporate compost and mulch at the base.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.

🌱 Propagation Instructions:

• Sowing Time: Best in warm, humid conditions; spring to early summer.
• Sowing Method: Lightly sprinkle spores on the surface of moist, fine seed-raising mix; do not cover.
• Moisture & Humidity: Maintain high humidity and keep the growing medium moist.
• Light Requirements: Indirect or filtered light for optimal germination.
• Germination Timeframe: Can take weeks to months to develop a visible prothallus (fern gametophyte).
• Transplanting: Once small ferns develop, carefully pot up and nurture in humid conditions before planting out.

⚠️ Additional Notes:

• Historically, the pith of the fern was used as a food source by Aboriginal Australians.
• Protect young plants from direct sun and harsh winds to encourage healthy growth.
• This species is well-suited for fern gardens, rainforest landscaping, and large shaded areas.

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• Seeds are packed in sealed, labelled packets for freshness

📮Shipping Information

• Australia Post with Tracking: Within Australia (excludes Tasmania and remote Western Australia).
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🏡  About ABCeeds
We are a trusted, family-owned and operated seed supplier based on the Far North Coast of NSW, Australia. Our hand-picked, organic, and unsprayed seeds are carefully harvested, cleaned, and tested to ensure fresh, high-quality seeds for gardeners, nurseries, and growers across Australia and internationally.

🌱 Seed Information
While we provide recommended propagation guidelines, germination success depends on factors such as temperature, moisture, and growing conditions. We encourage customers to refine their own methods for the best results. Once seeds leave our premises, their performance is beyond our control, but we’re always here to assist with any concerns.

🙏 Thank You!
We appreciate your support and understanding of seed variability. If you have any questions or need advice, please contact us—we’re happy to help! 😊

Backup Information: 

• Source: Company-owned data and seed descriptions.