Alsophila

Family. Cyatheaceae.

Origin. The plant is endemic to Australia.

Description. Alsophila is an Australian evergreen fern that can reach 3 meters in height. Grows quickly. The plant has a powerful root system. The leaves are thick, light green, pinnate, with small, lacy leaflets, on branches that can reach up to 3.5 meters in length in mature plants. New leaves are brown.

Mature plants form a short, tree-like, brown trunk, topped with a chic openwork crown. The leaf petioles are covered with long brown pubescence.

Height. Up to 3 m in nature and about 2 m at home.

Alsophila - home care

Temperature conditions

Prefers cool temperatures from 7 to 20° C.

Lighting

Good lighting is necessary, but direct sunlight can burn the leaves of the plant. 

Care

Staying in the fresh air during the warm season is very welcome. Sometimes alsophila will need support to grow.

Substrate

Based on peat and fibrous heather soil.

Feeding

Once every two weeks during the growth period.

Purpose

An ornamental foliage plant that requires sufficient space for growth and development.

Flowering time

Doesn't bloom. 

Air humidity

Very high, spray the leaves of the plant as soon as necessary, use a humidifier.

Soil moisture

It is necessary to maintain constant high soil moisture.  For irrigation, use softened water at room temperature - for example, bottled, rain, melted water. To reduce hardness, you can add regular baking soda to tap water - a teaspoon per 2 liters of water.

Transfer

As needed, adult specimens are replanted in the spring every two years.

Reproduction

Disputes.

Pests and diseases

Mealybugs, spider mites, very rare.

Note

Without support, the plant may fall to one side.