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Dicksonia Antarctica

fitzgegrzl9p7X6Zfitzgegrzl9p7X6Z Posts: 1
in Problem solving
Hi all, 
I've purchased a 2ft dicksonia antartica at the beginning of April. I have planted in my back garden under a large birch tree. It gets a bit of morning sun but is under the canopy for the rest of the day. I have watered almost every day and no less than every other day. I didn't protect the crown as it wasn't protected when I purchased and was told at the centre that it would be ok from then on. My question is whether it is still alive. I can't see any curled up fronds appearing but I do see two firm green bits in the crown (shown in photo). Is there still hope for it or should it have started showing fronds by now?
Thanks

Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Don't worry, it looks fine.  The green knuckles in the centre are the start of the new fronds emerging.  They will start to appear in quite quick succession over the next few weeks.  I have found that giving the trunk and crown a weekly feed of diluted seaweed extract also helps frond formation. The fronds can get to three feet or more in length - you may need to reconsider the positioning close to your wall.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    My son-in-law has 3 newly planted Dicksonian Antarctica ferns, of various sizes, planted in his garden this last year, and they all look like yours. The new fronds are just beginning to come through in the centres of the crowns. A gentleman further down their road has several very mature ones in his garden and they are all in full frondage? It will take several years for the newbies to settle and get established. Also, weather will dictate how they grow. 
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