Todea barbara, known as the king fern or crape fern, is a fern in the family Osmundaceae occurring in moist areas of south eastern Australia, and also indigenous to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
King fern typically shows good resistance to disease and has relatively few insect pests. Its care is considered difficult, as it needs a moist environment and frequent watering. However, the roots are prone to rotting if overwatered or if the environment is not well ventilated. King fern is suitable for people with some growing experience, since most people can keep it alive for a certain amount of time. Nevertheless, King fern may struggle to thrive and its leaves can dry out and become less healthy over time.
How to keep Todea Barbara.
Light
King fern does best in gentle light and does not rely on intense sunlight for growth. Native to naturally shaded habitats, it fulfills its photosynthetic needs with lower light levels. Excessive sun can damage it, while a shortage of light typically does not greatly affect its health.
Water
The King Fern thrives in environments with high humidity and consistent moisture, mimicking its tropical habitat. To keep it healthy, water it twice a week. This evergreen plant does well indoors when there is extra humidity in the air. You can achieve this by misting the plant or using pebble trays. These methods are essential for maintaining its lush fronds, even when it's far from its natural surroundings.
Temperature
King fern is native to temperate regions and prefers temperatures from 68 to 100.4 °F (20 to 38 °C). Adjust your green space throughout the year to match this, reducing warmth during winter.
Pruning
The King Fern has lush, arching fronds and flourishes in moist, shaded areas. To keep the plant healthy, prune it in early spring by removing any damaged fronds. This will help improve air circulation while maintaining the healthy fronds. Regular maintenance encourages new growth. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools for pruning to prevent disease and ensure the plant thrives.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Fern
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Todea
- Family
- Osmundaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-12
- Mature Height
- 3.05 m
- Mature Spread
- 0.91 m to 2.13 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Native Area
- Mozambique, South Africa, Eswatini, New Zealand, Zimbabwe
Other names.
