Does it need full sun?

No, it prefers dappled shade to protect its delicate fronds.

How often should I water it?

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.

Plant guide

Silver tree fern.

Alsophila dealbata

Pronounced al-SOFF-ih-luh dee-al-BAY-tuh

Alsophila dealbata — Photo by kiwialli (CC BY) via gbif

The silver tree fern is a stunning native of New Zealand known for its iconic fronds with a striking silvery underside. It grows into a majestic tree form over time, making it a real showstopper in a humid, sheltered garden. You will love how the fronds unfurl to reveal that signature metallic glow.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Tree fern
Light: Partial shade to dappled light
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 2 to 5 days
Mature size: 10 meters
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Does not bloom

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist and provide high humidity to prevent the fronds from crisping at the edges. Watch for browning tips as a sign that the air is too dry or the plant needs more water. Protect it from harsh winds and direct sun which can easily scorch the delicate foliage.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Pruning: Remove dead or damaged fronds at the base of the stem to keep the plant tidy.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant has clearly outgrown its current container.
Soil: Rich, moist, well draining soil
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Temperature: -5 to 30°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for many decades.
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

roots circling the bottom of the pot
stunted frond growth
soil drying out too quickly

Safety

People: There is no known toxicity to humans.
Children: The stiff, fibrous trunk can be abrasive to small children's skin.
Contact allergens: The fine scales on the stipe can cause mild skin irritation.
Airborne allergens: Spore dust released in large quantities may irritate sensitive airways.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible.

How to identify it

Large arching fronds
Distinctive silvery white undersides
Scaly brown trunk
Circular spore patterns on leaflets

Height: 3 to 10m
Spread: 2 to 4m
Leaves: green, silver, evergreen
Flowers: 0cm

Problems to watch for

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Growing it

Propagation: spores
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: In colder areas, wrap the trunk in burlap and protect the crown from freezing temperatures to ensure survival.
In containers: It can grow in large containers, but requires a very large pot to accommodate its root system and maintain stability.

Spore collection

1. Collect brown spores from the underside of mature fronds.
2. Sprinkle spores onto a sterile, damp peat based medium.
3. Cover with glass to maintain high humidity.
4. Keep in a warm, shaded spot until prothalli appear.

Group with other shade lovers to create a microclimate that retains humidity around the fern.

Grows well with

Hosta · They enjoy similar shade and moisture conditions.
Bleeding Heart · They create a lovely layered look in a woodland garden.

Similar species

Dicksonia antarctica · Another popular tree fern with a similar growth habit.

Science

Family: Cyatheaceae
Genus: Alsophila
Order: Cyatheales
Class: Polypodiopsida
Native range: New Zealand
Conservation: It is common in its native range and not currently threatened.

It thrives in the humid understory of temperate rainforests where it benefits from consistent moisture and protection from wind.

Value to wildlife: provides shelter for small forest creatures
Uses: ornamental specimen, shade garden feature

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: No, it prefers dappled shade to protect its delicate fronds.
How often should I water it?: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.

Where the name comes from

The name Alsophila comes from Greek meaning grove loving, while dealbata refers to the white, powdery underside of the leaves.

Good to know

It is the national symbol of New Zealand.
The fronds can reach up to 4 meters in length.
It is also known as the silver fern.
The trunk is actually a rhizome that grows vertically.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.