How do you feed a tree fern? (Dicksonia Antarctica)?

Question

Yesterday I bought a 4ft Tree Fern and I am desperate to know how to feed it? I have had a look online for some tips, but I cannot find a site which explains HOW you feed the fern. To water it, you moisten the trunk and the crown, is it the same for feeding it or do you do this in the soil that it is sat in? I have also been told to put banana skins in the crown and this will feed it?

As you can tell, I am a total novice with this type of plant and I would be extremely grateful for someone to enlighten me on how - and also what is the best food for this plant and when to do so.

Thanks.

Yvonne :o)

Answer 1

Blimey not Yvonne the Botanist! you should know all this after the expensive education at agricultural college that your folks worked long and hard to provide. Ps, are you still seeing Reggie rotten breath? lol

Pete.

Answer 2

You don't feed tree ferns.they produce all their nutrients from air and water.If you insist then any acidic liquid feed (ericacious) and water or spray the LEAVES only as it has no roots and a bit in the centre of the trunk.They are very easy and grow one inch per year,so your guy is 48 years old and old enough to look out for himself

Answer 3

I have owned a Dicksonia Antarctica for about 7 yrs it sits on my patio in a very large pot faces south gets all the wind from the east not from north or west sits in bright sunshine when we get some it is watered with a hose pipe ( from the top ) when I think about it , moved to a slightly sheltered  position in winter has never been fed and grows well and looks beautiful don't let people  especially professionals tell you that it needs special care it doesn't.You know the saying about kids who are molly coddled well I think plants are the same mine proves my point.By the way 2 yrs ago I had builders in for a few months I mistakenly warned them about my beloved plant what did they do they used it for their cig stubs and "left over" dry cement etc it still survived God love it.enjoy yours good luck