About
Alsophila smithii is a gradually maturing tree fern that can attain heights of 5 to 8 meters. It features an upright trunk adorned with chestnut-hued scales. The fronds extend horizontally from the crown, measuring up to 2.5 meters in length and composed of slender, soft leaflets, with the longest leaflets reaching 50 centimeters. The upper surfaces of the fronds are a deep green, while the undersides display a lighter shade.
About the genus
This genus consists of tree ferns found in tropical and subtropical regions. They feature vertical stems topped with sizable, dark green fronds.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
- Native to
- New Zealand
Care notes
- Cultivation
- In areas prone to frost, grow in a container under glass with a minimum winter temperature of 10°C. The plant may be placed outside during the summer in a sheltered and partially-shaded spot. It requires a moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil; in hot, dry summers water the stem as well as the soil, but avoid watering the crown in winter. Apply liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season. Will grow without winter protection only in milder areas
- Pruning
- Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free