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Dicksonia Antarctica

lizzeydrip37280lizzeydrip37280 Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hi! I've recently taken delivery of a new Dicksonia Antarctica tree fern. It's about 6ft tall. I plan to put it in a large container rather than in the ground.

Issue is the trunk is rather bent - it's essentially a banana shape. I'd like to position it so the crown is pointing as skyward as possible - can I use a chainsaw to cut the bottom few inches of the trunk at a sharper angle so it will stand more upright when planted or will this damage it? Any advice gratefully received, thanks!

Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    If you can’t get it in your container at your desired angle, assuming your tree was delivered as a log, without being rooted at the bottom, cutting the trunk as you describe should be fine. Thoroughly saturate the trunk before planting to ensure that it is well hydrated. They are lovely plants. Enjoy it and welcome to the forum!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • lizzeydrip37280lizzeydrip37280 Posts: 4
    Ah, that's brilliant thanks so much for your response and the welcome!

    Yes, it's basically just a log at the moment. It is already cut at a slight angle on the base and to be honest I'm loathe to take any off because it's such a lovely height. Will try standing in the container as is and then make a decision, but good to know it's an option if needs be. 

    Very excited to watch it crown!
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited 13 February
    Yes, you’re in for a treat when the first fronds unfurl @lizzeydrip37280! I just thought it worth mentioning that your container needs to be heavy enough when filled to prevent the tree from blowing over.

     I found the video in this link very helpful when I got my tree fern:

     https://www.toddsbotanics.co.uk/tree-ferns/4-foot-tree-fern-dicksonia-antarctica.htm
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • lizzeydrip37280lizzeydrip37280 Posts: 4
    Thanks so much again and I'll take a look! Certainly going to need a VERY substantial container, this fern's a whopper even compared to those I've admired in other people's gardens before taking the plunge to purchase. I had one in mind that I've had for a while but given the height and girth of my new 'log' may need to take a trip to the garden centre this weekend!
  • McRazzMcRazz Posts: 440
    I remember 20 years ago Dicksonias coming accompanied with a stainless steel metal bar. The idea was to trim the bottom, hammer the bar into the centre of the trunk and then insert it into the ground. I've planted a few like this and they never seemed to mind. I've not seen them supplied or fixed like this for a while but nearly all commercial tree ferns arrive as logs. We tend to fabricated bespoke collars for them now to hold the jaunty banana shaped ones up.
  • lizzeydrip37280lizzeydrip37280 Posts: 4
    edited 14 February
    Thanks, and a collar might be a good idea! Do you have a picture of one you could share please?
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