Sphaeropteris Species, Black Tree Fern, Sago Fern

Cyathea medullaris is a stunningly attractive tree fern. In San Francisco it is very fast growing. The one in my garden grew from 4 ft ...Read Morehigh to 15 ft high and 15 ft wide in only 3 years!

Cyathea medullaris leaves die back completely at approx -4.0 degrees celcius. I live in zone 9a - 9b ( -5.0 degrees minimum, in New Zeala...Read Morend where this is native to this country, and the leaves on both my Cyathea medullaris die back completely. They grow back in the spring. But in warmer parts of New Zealand the leaves survive the winter. New Zealands climate zones range from approx: 8a -10b, with low heat zones of: 1 - 3.

Cyathea medullaris is native to Fiji, Tahiti, and New Zealand.

Cyathea are listed on CITES Appendix II.

Without a doubt the greatest tree fern in cultivation.Both in looks and size and also a i feel a very fast grower for frost free cooler c...Read Morelimates on the west coast. The higher humidity allowing it to thrive. And as it grows in Fiji It can take tropical heat if,again,humidity is high. There are two forms of this fern in the trade- the more desirable black and the still large green stipe form. MAKE SURE you ask if ordering them. You might be disappointed with the blander green as seen in Pam Bobs photo in Manhattan Beach ca.
Hardy to about the mid 20's..sometimes lower if large and protected.New Zealand medullaris have taken ice and snow.NEVER allow to go dry,regular acid fertilizer,and protect from high wind. The more trunk it gets,the more water it will need. Try to plant away from tree's with greedy roots.The living trunk is a good home for mounting Orchids- no moss,just pull back a base and its held tight. Some orchids I have found don't thrive on these. D.kingianum for some reason is one.
Also has a high light need for a tree fern.Full sun in coastal gardens is best. The farther from the coast and fog, the more shade. Such a large fern, it's presence is palm tree like. An ancient elegant look.