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Tree fern

ej.radwell-DENBzsdej.radwell-DENBzsd Posts: 5
in Problem solving
Hi, there is still no sign of my tree fern sprouting new fronds, and I’m thinking it may be dead? How long should I leaves it before giving up on it? It’s not soft and squishy, more hard and dried out. It’s been kept in a pot, and very well watered. (I’m in Oxfordshire). 
Thanks 

Posts

  • Robert WestRobert West Posts: 241
    Gentle scrape a curled up frond. If it's green underneath it's alive. Mine has been very slow to do anything this year. Just a few small fronds have uncurled. 
  • ej.radwell-DENBzsdej.radwell-DENBzsd Posts: 5
    Thanks for your reply. I’ve had a scrape, it’s not looking good!!! 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Hi there, has the crown of your fern been protected over winter?  By now there should be a sign of new fronds uncurling.  Try stimulating it into action with a feed of seaweed extract once a week and keep it moist and out of the sun. Hope this helps.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    If the centre is hard and crisp, I'd say you have lost it.
      
    Little point in feeding unless there is a chance that the centre is alive.

    As said above, protecting over winter - particularly with a small specimen is advised.  
    As your plant is in a pot, and you have room and time to keep an eye on it, you'll not lose much by trying and seeing.  A sheltered site and fingers crossed is all you can do at this stage :)
  • ej.radwell-DENBzsdej.radwell-DENBzsd Posts: 5
    Thanks for all your replies. It was protected with straw and fleece over winter. I’ll leave it a few more weeks, but I fear it’s dead 😞
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