Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern

Description

Dicksonia antarctica – Soft Tree Fern

Family: Dicksoniaceae
Packet size: Approximately 10,000+ spores (not seeds)
Origin: Australian native

Tree fern with a fibrous trunk and arching soft fronds. Best suited to cool, moist and sheltered locations.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Shade to filtered light
• Growing medium: Moist, humus-rich growing medium with good drainage
• Water: Keep roots and trunk moist in dry weather; avoid exposed hot sites

Propagation from Spores

1. Prepare a clean, moist growing medium in a clean covered container. Avoid contaminating the medium.
2. Sow spores on the surface of sterile moist medium, maintain high humidity and indirect light; germination and development may be slow Do not bury the fine spores.
3. Maintain humidity and monitor for green green growth; development of young ferns can take weeks to months or longer.
4. Gradually acclimatise established young ferns to lower humidity before potting or mounting.

Important: Fern spores are dust-fine and require different propagation methods from seeds. The approximate spore count is not a germination guarantee. Keep the container clean and avoid direct harsh sun.