Tree ferns, such as Dicksonia antarctica are best suited to a sheltered, humid environment, protected from strong, drying winds. Plant just enough of the trunk to ensure the plant is stable, in a damp, lightly shaded area in a humus-rich, neutral to slightly acid soil but avoid planting in a frost pocket.
Maintenance
The trunk and crown will not tolerate drying out so water the trunk every day until fronds begin to emerge. Avoid feeding during the first year (to encourage good rooting) and in subsequent years apply a dilute liquid feed once a month, when in growth, to the fronds and trunk. Alternatively, apply a controlled-release fertiliser around the base.
In cultivation tree ferns appear to respond to generous applications of well-rotted organic matter but remember that established plants still need watering on the side of the trunk in dry conditions – both during summer and winter.
Winter protection
Few tree ferns are fully hardy out of doors in Britain. Dicksonia antarctica and D. fibrosa will survive all but the most severe winters in the milder southern and western areas without any protection but in colder areas move containerised specimens into a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory.
Pack the top of larger plants grown outside with straw - making a simple basket from chicken wire netting to hold the straw in place is a good idea and this may then be covered in a rainproof hat. Do not remove any fronds, during winter, unless there is evidence of frost damage or natural senescence. During the growing season damaged fronds can be removed as new fronds are continuously produced.
William Denne