Dicksonia antarctica is an evergreen tree fern native to Australia. It is the most cold-tolerant of the tree ferns, and can be found growing in alpine areas of Tasmania. The fronds of dicksonia antarctica can reach up to 6 m in length, and the plant can grow to a height of 20 m. The trunk of the tree is covered in a dense layer of brownish-black bark, which helps to protect the plant from the cold. The fronds of dicksonia antarctica are divided into many small, narrow, finger-like leaflets, which are covered in soft, silky hairs. The plant produces small, brown, spherical spores, which are borne on the underside of the leaflets.
About soil condition, Dicksonia Antarctica can growth in many different types of soils as long it is well drained, from sandy to clay soils. It also prefers soils that are high in organic matter and stay moist but not wet.
Not too different with other plants, the Dicksonia Antarctica also needs sunlight to grow. However, it grows best in an environment that has filtered sunlight. This means that it should not be placed in an area where it will be in direct sunlight for most of the day. If it is placed in an area that gets full sun, it is important to make sure that the plant gets some protection from the hot midday sun.
The temperature conditions that are best for Dicksonia Antarctica to thrive are cool to cold weather conditions. They need a lot of moisture in the air and in the soil to prevent them from drying out and dying. They are tolerant to a wide range of temperatures, but prefer cooler temperatures. They will grow in full sun to partial shade, but prefer partial shade.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 50% to 70%. The fronds will start to turn brown and become crispy if the air is too dry. If the humidity is too high, the fronds will start to turn yellow and become limp.
The fertilizer, this family of plant produces, and the roots of the dicksonia antarctica make it an excellent choice for gardens. The leaves of this tree are very large, and the wood is very soft. The dicksonia antarctica is a good tree for windbreaks, and it is also good for erosion control.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your Dicksonia antarctica healthy and looking its best. When and how you prune will depend on the specific plant, but generally, it is best to prune in the early spring before new growth begins. You can prune back dead or damaged branches, as well as trimming back any overgrown areas. Be sure to sterilize your pruning tools before use to avoid spreading disease.
Propagation of Dicksonia antarctica is best done by seed, as this species does not sucker like other Dicksonia species. The seed should be sown in spring in a well-drained seed raising mix. Once germinated, the young plants can be transplanted into small pots and grown on until large enough to plant out into the garden. Plants can also be propagated by division in spring.
Usually, the plant growth rate occurs in the spring and summer months. Under optimal conditions, the plant can grow up to 30 cm per year. However, the growth rate will vary depending on the plant's environment, amount of sunlight, and amount of water.
Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves can get too dry and start to curl, or the plant can get too much sun and the leaves will start to fade. If you see either of these problems, you should move your plant to a spot that gets a little more shade or a little more sun, respectively. You can also try misting the leaves with water to help keep them moist.
Source:
Dicksonia antarctica - University of Melbourne
Dicksonia antarctica information from the Global Compendium of
Dicksonia antarctica DICKSONIACEAE - APSA - ANU
