How to transplant tree ferns - Mars, QLD

 Can tree ferns be transplanted and what is the best way to do this ?.  Can I put them in pots for a few months ?.  I also have a fan palm which has been in the ground for 9 years and I would like to take it with me when I move house.   Do these plants transplant well ? or should I put them into pots ?.  I only have a few weeks to get them out of the ground, but it will be months before I have to move.  Mars

Hi,

       Yes, you can transplant the Tree Fern and the Fan Palm.   In regard to the Tree Fern, there are two varieties which are commonly available, one is the Dicksonia, it has a fat, hairy truck, with short leaves.  The other is a Cyathea, not so hairy and it has a thin truck and grows tall, with large leaves.  (we have included a photo of Cyathea Tree Ferns, click to enlarge)   The Dicksonia ferns are very easy to transplant,  just prune off all the foliage, right back to the trunk.  Next, dig out a good amount of the root ball. If you roll the roots and trunk up in a wet hessan bag they can be transplanted weeks after being dug out.  They also do well in pots.   The Cyathea Tree ferns do not transplant as well.  They need to be planted almost straight away.   You can put them in pots but they need constant moist conditions (moist, not soaked, as they will rot)  .  Tree ferns like a well drained organic soil.  You can fertilise, but only after they have become established,  use a slow release fertiliser. 

In regard to the Fan Palm,  I imagine it is fairly large after 9 years.   Once again remove all the leaf from the plant back to the stem.   Dig out as much of the root ball as you can.  Use and axe or prunners to cut the roots, do not leave ragged edges.    Palms must be transplanted straight away to survive, either into the ground or into a pot.    Fan Palms will do okay in a pot, however make sure you have plenty of soil around the root ball to hold moisture. 

Regards questions@gardenguide.com.au

 

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