Cyathea cooperi is an evergreen tree that is native to Australia and New Zealand. The tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has large, dark green leaves. The tree is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
About soil condition, cyathea cooperi prefers a moist, but not waterlogged, soil. It also prefers a soil that is high in organic matter. A good potting mix for this plant would be two parts peat moss to one part loam. This plant also does well in partial shade to full shade.
Just like other plants, the cyathea cooperi needs sun to grow. The amount of sun required depends on the species, but most need at least four hours of sun per day. The plant also needs to be in an area with good airflow to prevent the leaves from getting too wet and rotting.
The temperature condition that is optimal for the growth of Cyathea cooperi is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. Above 25 degrees Celsius, the plant experiences a decrease in growth rate. However, it can still survive in temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 70%-80%. The plant will start to suffer if the humidity drops below 60%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and curl up. The plant will also start to drop its leaves.
Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant is known to be heavy feeders. A couple of times during the growing season, use a fertilizer high in nitrogen. Water the fern well before and after applying the fertilizer. However, be careful not to over-fertilize, which can cause the ferns to become brown and crispy. As for watering, these guys like it on the wet side, so keep the soil moist at all times. They're not a fan of letting the soil dry out. Try to water them with filtered water or rainwater if you can, as they're not a fan of the chemicals in tap water. When the weather is hot and dry, they may need to be watered every day. Lastly, these ferns like a lot of humidity. If the air in your home is dry, you may need to mist the ferns regularly or set them on a tray of pebbles and water.
Pruning is an important part of caring for your Cyathea cooperi plant. It helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. You should prune your plant every few months, using sharp, clean shears. Cut back any dead or dying leaves, and remove any damaged or diseased tissue. Be careful not to damage the plant's main stem when pruning.
Propagation of Cyathea cooperi is best accomplished by division of an established plant. This fern can be easily divided into several pieces, each with a good portion of the rhizome attached. The rhizome is the "root-like" stem that runs horizontally underground and is often visible just above the soil surface. Once divided, the pieces can be replanted in a shady location with moist, well-drained soil.
Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted in their natural habitats in Australia. The average growth rate for cyathea cooperi in these studies has been found to be between 1 and 2 centimeters per year. However, there have been reports of individual trees growing up to 10 centimeters per year. The fastest growth rates have been observed in young trees between the ages of 1 and 5 years old.
Common problems for this kind of plant are spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. These pests are all attracted to the plant because of the sweet nectar that it produces. The best way to control these pests is to keep the plant well-watered and to spray it with a mixture of water and dish soap on a regular basis.
Source:
Lacy Tree Fern - The North Creek Wetland - UW Bothell
Adjunct Faculty: A Historical List - Cooper Union
Cooper Online | Cooper Center
