Dicksonia

Family. Dicksoniaceae.

Origin. South Eastern Australia.

Description. Dicksonia is a large tree fern with long, arching fronds up to 3 m long. Young leaves appear in the center of the rosette and are pale green in color and darken with age. The leaf petioles are pubescent. Young specimens have attractive pinnately dissected leaves that form a rosette on the soil surface. After a few years, a thick, strong, massive trunk of dark brown or even black color is formed, which contrasts beautifully with the bright green spreading crown. During this period, the plant begins to resemble a palm tree. The trunk bears traces of old dead leaves.

Height. In nature it can exceed 10 m in height. In culture it reaches 1 - 1.5 m in height

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Normal room temperature is suitable for growing all year round. In winter, the fern can withstand temperatures of about 10 °C. It does not like heat, so as the air temperature rises, it is necessary to increase the frequency of watering.

Lighting

Place the fern in partial shade, away from direct sunlight. Rotate the pot regularly so that the flower does not lean towards the light source.

Care

Needs plenty of space and sufficient moisture. You can cover the surface of the soil with pieces of pine bark. 

Substrate

A well-drained mixture of peat, leaf humus, coarse sand or perlite.  

Feeding

Fertilize every two weeks from early spring to mid-autumn with fertilizers high in nitrogen. Stop fertilizing in winter.

Purpose

A large, spreading fern for hallways and office spaces, grown in tubs. 

Flowering time

Dicksonia does not flower; instead of buds, these plants form sporangia on the underside of the fronds.

Air humidity

Like most ferns, it loves a humid atmosphere. Spray periodically, not only the leaves, but also the trunk, place the pot on a tray with wet pebbles or use a room humidifier. 

Soil moisture

If in the summer the air temperature rises above 18 ° C, increase the frequency of watering. Watering should be plentiful - until the soil is completely soaked. In winter, only slightly dry the top layer of the substrate.

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out in spring. Young specimens are transplanted into larger pots. In adult large plants, the top layer of soil is replaced with fresh soil every year.

Reproduction

Dicksonia reproduces by spores that are located on the underside of the leaves, provided that they are ripe. Spores are sown in the spring. Ferns grow quite slowly, so reproduction by spores will take several years.

Pests and diseases

When there is a lack of moisture in the air, the leaves turn yellow and wither, and the edges of the leaves curl. Plants that receive good care are rarely attacked by insect pests.

Note

With good care and access to atmospheric moisture, dicksonia will easily reach an age of 50 years or more indoors.