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Advice on tree fern

1Phil591Phil59 Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hi, I have 2 tree ferns planted in the same aspect both around 4ft tall, one grows huge fronds each year the other has put up tiny fronds for the last 3 years, they both get watered and fed the same any ideas on this please.

Posts

  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    The tree fern is getting smaller and smaller each year.
    Sometimes you can gently push the older fronds outwards to allow the new ones space to develop.
    Fungal problems can also cause frond damage.
    Are you watering the "trunk"? In this hot weather they need to be hosed down every day all the way down the "trunk".
    Don't be too quick to cut last years fronds of as these can be used to help the fern during cold spells as they help to insulate the plant.
  • 1Phil591Phil59 Posts: 4
    They get a good soaking daily at the moment as I say I treat them both the same which is why I find it all the more puzzling.
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Can you put a photo of the one that is doing ok?
  • 1Phil591Phil59 Posts: 4
    Big difference
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    This one as you said is doing great with good size fronds. When you compare the two you can see that No1 is becoming narrower and narrower and thus not allowing the fronds room to move.
    Are fronds deveolping now in the 2nd one? Seems late to do this.
    Are the ferns in the ground or pots?
    Could No1 have a problem at the base with an ants nest for instance?
    We had one tree fern that didn't develop as it should and going with the 5yr plants life we did contact the nursery who refunded the cost and we bought another one from a different local nursery and it is doing brilliantly.
    Tree ferns are brilliant but they can cause us all headaches when they don't do what we are expecting.
  • 1Phil591Phil59 Posts: 4
    This one had a couple of fronds snap in the winds and has thrown 2 new ones up, both in the ground will have a poke around the base but haven't noticed anything before.  My very first tree fern (many years ago) I spoilt and brought it into the conservatory for winter as you will guess that one didn't make it lesson learned.
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Have a look at the following links
    everything you need to know you tube. com/watch?v=GgVJMEykfts

    Keep with them they are so beautiful.


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