Question
I purchased a 5' Australian fern tree mid-September from a local nursery.  I planted it a few days later, kept it watered.  Then I noticed that the tree ferns are all brown except for a few spots.  A few of the stems are still green.  Does this die back, need to be cut or is there something wrong and I should contact the nursery?  I cannot find anything on the internet and am totally frustrated.  Thanks for any help you can offer.
Barbara Bohannon

Answer
Hi Barbara,
Thanx for your question.  I'm going to assume you are either in South Florida or Southern California.  This plant will not tolerate cold winters.  The plant needs and prefers shade and grows best in moist but well drained, sandy loam.  There is a possibility that the plant was shocked during transplant which is normal with a plant as big as you describe.  I would call the nursery and tell them what happened just in case but I think the plant is just shocked.  Water it well if you're not getting regular rain and side dress it with some rich compost.  If it doesn't come out of it in a couple of weeks contact the nursery for a refund.  I hope ths helps.
Tom