Return to the Tropical Plants Forum
| Post a Follow-Up
Winter and drooping tree ferns
| | |
Posted by artiew QLD Aust (My Page) on Sun, Jun 27, 04 at 19:42
| Hi All,
I'm not sure if this is normal, but the leaves on my tree ferns (Cyathea Cooperi, from memory) seem to be somewhat droopy. Rocky has had some fairly cool nights (nothing below zero) of late, but no frosts, and the plants appear healthy otherwise. I water them once every 2-3 days, but the air is very dry at the moment, and I'm sure the lack of humidity isnt to their liking, but I have been led to believe that the ferns dont come much tougher than the various (native) tree species, so I am suprised that they seem to be unhappy when my other tropicals seem OK.
I guess I just need to be reassured that they will bounce back in Spring, or advised if there is a problem that I should be attending to. My soil is clay, pH 6.5, but this hasnt appeared to be an issue prior to the last week or so.
Cheers,
Artie |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Winter and drooping tree ferns
| | |
Hi Artie,
The cool nights should not be affecting your tree ferns . Check the soil, If it is moist don't water. You can kill a tree fern by overwatering. This is a mistake I made with a couple. They looked sick so I watered more and they eventually died. When young they don't like to dry out but also don't like to be sitting in wet soil either. Good luck Don |
RE: Winter and drooping tree ferns
| | |
Artie
How are you watering them, and for how long? If the soil is really moist they should be OK, and shouldnt need watering 2-3 times a week, but It can be moist on the surface and dry as dust down where the roots are.I give mine a really good soak(put the sprinkler on them for an hour or so) about once every 3-4 weeks and just freshen them up with the hose at the weekend for half a minute or so to moisten the fronds and stem.
Tony |
RE: Winter and drooping tree ferns
| | |
| Thanks guys - I think you may have hit the nail on the head. I am watering mine at the base every 2-3 days, for about 30-40 seconds per plant. I estimate that I am putting a little over a half a buckt of water into the roots, and this is probably too much in Winter. I dont water my other plants this often - I just have this attitude that 'tropicals need water', despite the fact that they can live in the rainforest for considerable periods without rain. I suspect that mulch is more important that continual watering, at least in Winter. Cheers, Artie |
|
|
|
|
