Growing Cynthea (Tree Fern)

Pronunciation: sy-ath'-ee-ah 

Native to the forested areas of Australia, this fast-growing Tree Fern soon lives up to its name if given dappled light or partial sun, and moderate to high humidity (see below for ways to increase humidity around your plant). From spring to fall, keep soil evenly moist and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly; in winter, water when the top ½" of the potting mix is dry.

Humidity: Most houseplants are native to tropical or subtropical regions of the world, where relative humidity is typically very high. They suffer in the dry air produced by furnaces and woodstoves. The best way to increase the humidity around your plants is to run a humidifier nearby. You can also set plants in trays filled with pebbles or gravel. Add water to a level just below the tops of the pebbles (if the potting mix in the pots comes in contact with the water, the mix will draw water into the pot, which will cause the mix to become saturated, eventually leading to rot). Refill trays frequently to replace water lost through evaporation. (Our Humiditrays perform the same function without the need for pebbles.)