Alsophila Species, Ponga, Silver Tree Fern

I have grown this tree fern for ten years in a large pot. It is over 6 feet tall. It must be kept moist. It sits in a tray of water and I...Read More feed it with organic fertilizer. In the summer it's in full sun and in the winter it's in an unheated basement under a fluorescent light. It's a tough plant. I live in the Philadelphia area.

Have grown this plant in South Florida where it flourished year long, and lately in Central Florida where it can sometimes go into freezi...Read Moreng weather. I have covered the plant and have also left it uncovered during those freezing periods. The result seems to be the same. It has been beaten back with fronds turning brown, but it has survived and continued to grow from a little thing when I planted it six years ago, to over six feet tall, and it reaches this height every year, no matter what kind of beating it gets in the winter. It gets full sun every day and is somewhat protected by being planted up into an angle of the house. I believe Summerfield FL is zone 8. It is one of the most beautiful plants I have ever had in my gardens.

These beautiful tree ferns grow well in Hawaii. I know people on the Big Island who use them as a natural greenhouse for their commercial...Read More anthurium growing operation. Beneath twin rows of these ferns grow the anthuriums of every color and variety. Genius!

This tree fern is easily recognized by its distinctive silvery underside of the frond. Young plants are however green underneath.
...Read MoreIt is found throughout New Zealand in lowland to montane forests.

It is easily grown and will tolerate drier conditions than the other tree ferns. Does best in a sheltered site with shade or semi shade and good moist, well-composted soil is best. Suitable for growing in a large pot too.