Cyathea felina - S

About the Cyathea felina - S

Cyathea felina, botanically accepted as Sphaeropteris felina, is a rare evergreen tree fern from the tropical region extending from Borneo to north-eastern Queensland. The species develops an upright trunk topped by a crown of large green fronds. Size S refers solely to the commercial size and provides no information about the plant's age or maturity.

Characteristics

Origin: This tree fern is native to Borneo, the Maluku Islands, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and north-eastern Queensland. The species grows in the wet tropics; in north-eastern Queensland, it is mainly known from lowland rainforest and palm swamp forest.

Family: Cyatheaceae.

Position: A warm, sheltered position with high humidity, such as a greenhouse, conservatory or bright indoor space with filtered light. During warm periods, the plant can be placed outdoors in a sheltered position.

Height: In the wild, the upright trunk can reach approximately 8 metres and the fronds can grow to around 3 metres long. The plant generally remains considerably smaller in a container.

Flowering period: Not applicable. As a fern, this species does not produce flowers; fertile fronds may carry spores.

Flower colour: Not applicable; this tree fern does not produce flowers.

Hardiness: Not frost hardy. Protect the plant from frost, prolonged cold and cold winds, and overwinter it in a warm, frost-free location.

Soil type: A humus-rich, airy and well-drained potting mix that retains sufficient moisture without remaining wet for prolonged periods.

Care

Light: Place the plant in bright, filtered light or partial shade. Avoid strong midday sun, especially behind glass, as this can damage the fronds.

Water: Keep the potting mix evenly moist and do not allow the root ball to dry out completely. Allow excess water to drain freely and prevent the pot from standing in water for prolonged periods.

Fertiliser: During the active growing period, regularly apply a low dose of fertiliser for ferns or foliage plants. Reduce feeding when growth slows.

Pruning: Remove only completely dried or damaged fronds. Always leave the growing point in the centre of the crown intact.

Repotting: Repot when the roots have filled the container. Use a pot one size larger with sufficient drainage holes and disturb the roots as little as possible.

Humidity: High humidity supports healthy frond development. Avoid dry air from heating systems while maintaining some air circulation around the plant.

Special features: The pale scales at the base of the frond stalks are a distinctive feature of this tree fern. Clusters of spores may develop on the underside of fertile fronds, allowing the plant to reproduce.