Tree Ferns and Palms

The usual image of ferns is of small unobtrusive plants rather than huge plants with impressive trunks. However, in their native environment, tree ferns can reach heights of between ten and twenty meters! They have an exotic, even slightly mysterious air about them and are a spectacular addition to any garden.

Ferns are unique and occupy a very special place in the history of plant development. They were the first group of plants with leaves and they are also the last group to have survived without flowers.

Special care has to be taken when growing tree ferns as greenhouse plants. They are susceptible to diseases and insects that can cause poor crown development and stunted fronds. Sudden changes in temperature and humidity can also be damaging to some species.

Surprisingly, the tree itself does not have much of a root stock, just a fringe around the base to help anchor it into the ground. Most of the roots are, in fact, aerial roots from the trunk itself.