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Sphaeropteris spp.
scaly tree fern
Tropical and subtropical Asia, the Pacific, and Australasia
Overview
Sphaeropteris spp. is a genus of large tree ferns in the family Cyatheaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, the Pacific, Australasia, and parts of the Americas. Plants build a slender upright trunk, really a fibrous mass of stems and roots, that can reach 6-50 feet (1.8-15 m) tall depending on species, topped by a spreading crown of arching fronds. The fronds are large and several times divided, 3-12 feet (0.9-3.7 m) long, bright to deep green, with bases and unrolling croziers covered in scales rather than hairs, the feature that names the genus. New fronds unfurl from the crown while older ones die and may hang as a skirt or drop away. The genus reproduces by spores borne on the underside of the fronds and bears no flowers. Tree ferns grow in humid forests, gullies, and stream banks with shade and constant moisture. They are damaged by frost, drying winds, and full midday sun, which limits them to mild, humid climates, roughly USDA zones 9 to 11.
Native Range
Sphaeropteris spp. is native to tropical and subtropical regions, from south and east Asia through the Pacific islands to Australia and New Zealand, with some species in the Americas. The tree ferns grow in moist forests, shaded gullies, and along streams, from lowland to montane elevations.Suggested Uses
Used as a shade and structure plant in subtropical, woodland, and courtyard gardens, beside ponds and ferneries, and in large containers and conservatories in cooler regions. Spaced 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) apart, the crowns create overhead texture. Some species, such as S. cooperi, can self-sow heavily and are invasive outside their native range.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 50'
Width/Spread6' - 15'
Bloom Information
Sphaeropteris spp. is a fern and does not flower. It reproduces by spores carried in round clusters on the underside of mature fronds. Spores ripen mainly through the warm, humid months.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Tree ferns grow in dappled to full shade in humid air and constantly moist, humus-rich, acidic soil at a pH from about 5.0 to 6.5. The fibrous trunk must stay damp; watering over the crown and trunk in dry spells prevents browning and collapse of the fronds. They are damaged by frost, hot dry wind, and direct midday sun, and need shelter on all three counts. Steady feeding through the growing season supports the large fronds. In containers a free-draining, organic mix and high humidity suit them. Hardiness covers USDA zones 9 to 11, with some species hardier than others.Pruning
Pruning is limited to removing dead or damaged fronds, cut close to the trunk once they have fully browned. Green fronds are left in place, as the crown grows only from the top. The old frond bases that clothe the trunk are usually left to protect it.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons