Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

When to feed new tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica)

PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
edited May 2021 in Problem solving
I have recently purchased a tree fern as a two foot unrooted trunk.  I am watering the trunk, crown and surrounding area daily but have found conflicting advice about when to feed it.  One source I have found suggests that you should wait a year until the trunk has rooted.  Another suggests that you can feed once a month now with diluted seaweed feed.  What do other tree fern growers advise?
Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Have you seen the RHS advice?  https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=171

    All the advice I've ever seen on TV gardening shows says to keep the trunks moist and not feed in their first year while they settle in, presumably so it doesn't try and produce more leaf fronds that it can support before it gets some roots down.   protect the crown before winter, especially when the plant is still young and short in stature.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Thank you Obelixx, I appreciate your response and advice.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • MarranMarran Posts: 195
    I have 2 on order with Todds Botanics - delivery due next month - however, on their website it has feeding/care instructions and a youtube video too.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Thank you Marran, that video is really helpful.  It advises to feed now, while the RHS advice is to wait a year, hence my dilemma!  The Todds Botanics advice does sound logical though so I'm going to follow this.  Enjoy your new arrivals next month!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


Sign In or Register to comment.