Tree Fern Looks Dead On Top

Question From: 
Bruce in  sunbury,  sunbury VIC

 

Nature of problem: 
tree fern looks dead on top.

 

Type of Plant (if known): 
tree fern

 

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself): 
no new growth on top for over 6 months

 

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type: 
clay

 

How often do you water the plant:
only when it’s hot

 

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
9 hrs indirect

 

What type of plant is it:
tree fern

 

How long since you planted it:
8 yrs

 

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
no

 

Is the plant indoors or outdoors: 
outdoors

 

What other treatments have you given the plant: 
trim dead fronds

Upload photo if available: 

Other Comments: 
Hi, I have a tree fern that grew crooked into the fence and badly mangled and pushed in at the top, where the new fronds grow from. No new fronds have come out for about 6 months now. I have put the plant straight yesterday, off the fence, and would like to know if I should cut off the top of it where all the dead fronds are? I would have to cut about 7 or 8 inches (17 – 20 centimeters) in order to have it squared off and looking even again. Can I top it off that much or will it harm/kill the tree fern? Do you have any ideas as to what I can do to save it? Thank you very much.

 

Answer:  Hi Bruce. NEVER cut the top off a tree fern as this will usually kill the plant. With one species of tree fern (Dicksonia) the top can be cut off and planted and it will usually grow, but in almost all cases the lower parts of the plant will die. However, tree ferns are easy to dig up and move to a better position.  Good luck.  Don