tree fern again

[Sarah-b]

OH totally despondant that tree fern is all brown and crispy.
Does that mean it is dead?
Saw EJs pictures from IoW and noticed there were no fronds at all on the ones there - does that mean you are meant to pull off the brown bits?
Or do I need to buy a replacement and shove it in while he is not looking?

Sarah.

[Sarah-b]

[Palustris]

Don't know about tree ferns as such, but with ordinary deciduous ones you need to look carefully at the base of the old fronds for little curled up new fronds. They look a bit like the old fashioned top of a Bishop's staff. If your tree fern is alive there will be signs of these appearing. If so, and frost in your part of the world is unlikely, then you may remove the old dead fronds, carefully.

[Roy Bham UK]

Hi Sarah, what tree fern do you have? Some are more tender than others. If you very carefully put your fingers gently into the crown you should be able to (as Eric says) feel the new fronds, they feel like little knuckles packed closely together, if not it may well be dead. :-\
Tree Ferns must not be allowed to dry out even in winter although the crown should be protected with either dead leaves or fleece when temperatures drop below freezing. :(

Don't give up on it yet, if you think it is dead give it a good drenching with gallons of water every day and look out for any sign of life, good luck. ;)
I have all the fronds still green from last year on both my ferns and the new little crosiers are all lined up ready to unfurl. ;D




Edited to say sorry about the size...fixed now ::)

[Mrs Ava]

Good pics Roy.  We used to have a lovely tree fern, until number one son hollowed it out one sunny spring day!  He thought it felt lovely.  We weren't so impressed! :-\

[dibberxxx]

i have just bought a tree fern never had one before allways wanted one , not to sure how to look after it , do i need to water it very regular as i notice Roy said they should never dry out have planted mine out but don't think it will need watering with the amount of rain we have had , also not to sure how i am meant to protect it in the winter

[Roy Bham UK]

I am assuming you have a D icksonia antarctica the most common of tree ferns sold in the UK beautiful nevertheless and very hardy, there are lots of tree ferns also sold in the UK that are very tender :o

So assuming it's a DA follow the care advice above ;D