Cyathea cooperi, a fast-growing tree fern that can reach up to 15 meters in height!

At the top of the trunk, a dense crown of fern fronds up to 3 meters long is formed. The trunks and fronds are densely covered with hairs, which detach at the slightest touch.

The trees in this family are actually composed of roots that harden over time to support the plant. In the center of the trunk, there are quite thin roots where new fronds are formed.

This species is very successful in its natural habitat and often dominant in the undergrowth. Compared to the more well-known tree fern, Dicksonia antarctica, Cyathea grows much faster. A 2017 study showed that Cyathea grew by about 73 mm per year, while Dicksonia only grew by about 33 mm per year.

Care

Cyathea cooperi thrives best in a partially shaded, moist, and sheltered location. It should never dry out and prefers humus-rich, somewhat sandy soil. Sphaeropteris cooperi is only very cold-hardy under specific conditions here in our climate.

We therefore recommend keeping it completely frost-free during the winter. According to some sources, it can withstand short periods of frost down to -8°C, but we believe it is significantly more sensitive to sub-zero temperatures than Dicksonia antarctica.

Botanical description.

Sphaeropteris cooperi, also called Cyathea cooperi. The correct name, however, is Sphaeropteris cooperi. In English, it is called 'lacy tree fern. This tree fern comes from eastern and southeastern Australia, where it grows in coastal rainforests, in the undergrowth of large trees.

Despite its impressive final height of 5 to 6 meters (and sometimes even higher), it is still an undergrowth plant! Always wanted an indoor tree fern? Buy Cyathea cooperi online!