Cyatheaceae
Tree Fern: Pet-Safe Plant
Cyathea delgadii
Requires constantly moist soil, high relative humidity, and filtered light, avoiding direct sun during the hottest hours.
Every 3 days
Partial shade
15° - 28°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Tree Fern?
Tree Fern (Cyathea delgadii) is a medium-care plant from the Cyatheaceae family. Cyathea delgadii, popularly known as the Tree Fern or Xaxim-manso, is an arboreal pteridophyte native to the Atlantic Forest. It is characterized by its erect trunk (caudex) covered by old frond bases and adventitious roots, reaching several meters in height. Its leaves are large, delicate, and vibr...
Tree Fern grows up to 4.0m, spread of 300cm, watering every 3 days, 15°C – 28°C, 60–90% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Tree Fern is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 7 days.
How to Care for Tree Fern?
TLDR: Tree Fern needs Partial shade, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between 15-28°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Tree Fern?
Never let the soil dry out completely. Also water the trunk (caudex) to maintain the moisture of the aerial roots.
How Much Light Does Tree Fern Need?
Prefers bright indirect light or partial shade. Direct sun can burn its sensitive fronds.
What Is the Best Soil for Tree Fern?
Use a mixture rich in organic matter, such as coconut fiber, peat moss, and earthworm castings.
What Pot Should You Use for Tree Fern?
Clay or ceramic pots that help retain moisture, with good drainage at the bottom.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 1 days
Rotate
Every 15 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Tree Fern and Where Does It Come From?
Cyathea delgadii, popularly known as the Tree Fern or Xaxim-manso, is an arboreal pteridophyte native to the Atlantic Forest. It is characterized by its erect trunk (caudex) covered by old frond bases and adventitious roots, reaching several meters in height. Its leaves are large, delicate, and vibrant green, lending a prehistoric and tropical appearance to any environment.
How to Propagate Tree Fern?
Spore Propagation
- Substrate sterilization is crucial to prevent fungal growth
- Maintain constant humidity by misting with distilled water
- 1 Collection
Collect mature spores (dark spots on the underside of the leaves) in a paper bag.
- 2 Sowing
Spread the spores over a sterilized and moist peat substrate.
- 3 Incubation
Keep the container sealed with plastic wrap in a bright location without direct sun until the green prothallus appears.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Tree Fern Grow?
TLDR: Tree Fern can reach up to 4.0m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
4.0m
Spread
3.0m
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents resilience, ancestry, and the strength of tropical nature.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
