African Fern Pine: How to Grow and Take Care of It

African Fern Pine Tree originated in Africa, particularly in urban and suburban regions. This hardwood evergreen tree ranges in size from medium to large. It has an open-airy appearance with sticking branches covered in narrow, delicate, grey-green leaves that resemble ferns due to their fine texture.

The thin, green leaves of this evergreen rainforest tree grow to a length of 2 to 4 inches, giving the impression that they are ferns or feathers.

Male and female plants are different in dioecious African Fern Pine plants. There are tiny, plum-like, fleshy cones ranging from greenish-yellow to purple. African Fern Pine is widely used as a screening tree or hedge since it can grow in most soil types. When young, it also makes an excellent container specimen.

How to Grow an African Fern Pine Tree

• Scientific Name: Afrocarpus gracilior
• Common Name: Fern Pine
• Origin: East Africa
• Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

Planting correctly is the first step towards growing African Fern Pine successfully. Here’s how to ensure your Fern Pines start is wonderful.

Time of Planting

The ideal seasons to grow African Fern Pine are spring or autumn when the weather is mild. This enables the tree to grow roots before being stressed by severe summer heat or terrible winter temperatures.

Select Place

Full sun to light shade is ideal for African Fern Pine growth. Select a location that receives four to six hours of sunlight each day. The tree can handle various soil types, including sandy and clay soils, but it favors well-drained soil.

Prepare Soil

Check that the soil has enough drainage and is rich in organic materials. Clay or manure with good rot can be added to the planting site to enhance drainage and soil fertility.

Steps of Planting

• Make a hole that is twice as deep and wide as the root ball.
• Take the plant out of its container and carefully pull the roots apart.
• As you place the Fern Pine in the hole, ensure the root ball’s top is parallel to the ground.
• Gently pack the soil removed from the hole around the roots as you fill it in.
• Use plenty of water to help the dirt settle and remove air pockets.
• Cover the area around the plant’s base with a two- to three-inch layer to keep moisture and prevent weeds.

African Fern Pine Care

The fern pine is a flexible species valued for its broad tolerance to growing environments, resilience to pests, and minimal maintenance needs. It can be let to grow naturally as a shade tree or groomed to create a windbreak or fern pine hedge. It may grow close to buildings or other hardscapes because its roots don’t often lift or crack surfaces.

Here are some guidelines on how to take care of an African Fern Pine Tree:

• Soil

African fern pines don’t have any soil preferences. They can stand compacted and low-quality soil. Although somewhat acidic soil is preferred, neutral or even a little alkaline soil will also support the growth of these trees. Fern pines should not be planted near areas that get ocean spray or mist because they cannot handle aerosol salt.

• Water

Give a fern pine an accurate weekly watering for the first two years. Cut this down to once every other week by the third year. Water is then dependent on the surrounding environment. When given frequent watering, fern pines grow better but can survive periods of dryness, especially when they are fully grown.

• Light

Fern pines can survive in shaded areas but grow in the early morning sun. Some shade is better in hotter regions. In the late afternoon, they may become slightly sensitive to direct exposure to the south or west.

• Fertilizer

Fertilize African fern pines before new growth appears in the spring. Apply a multipurpose fertilizer in accordance with the container’s requirements.

• Humidity and Temperature

The fern pine prefers a warmer temperature and grows best in USDA zones 9 through 11. Like the coffee plant, it is cold-hardy down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but it must still be protected from extremely low temperatures. If the fern pine is stunned by extremely low temperatures, its leaves may turn brown.

• Pruning

Pruning young plants is necessary to keep a core leader and a solid branch structure. Pruning is only required once established to get the right size and shape. When the tree is still very young, trimming should start to train it if espalier formation is desired. When growing a hedge, ensure the plants are consistently cut to the proper height and width.

Deal with Common Problems

Poor Growth

Poor soil, improper water supply, or insufficient sunlight can contribute to your African Fern Pine’s poor growth. Make sure your plant gets four to six hours of sunlight each day, add fertilizer if needed, and give it regular watering.

Yellow Leaves

Yellowing leaves may indicate poor drainage, overwatering, or a shortage of nutrients. Verify the soil’s moisture content and modify your watering schedule.

Leaf Care

Stress factors, including transplant shock, dryness, or overwatering, can result in leaf drop. To help your plant maintain soil moisture, make sure it is covered and watered appropriately.

Summary

Creating a supportive atmosphere is important for the growth and care of an African fern pine tree. Before placing the tree, find that the soil is nutrient-rich, well-draining, and receives indirect sunlight. During the growing season, fertilize the soil while keeping it regularly moist but not soggy.

Regularly trim any dead or damaged leaves to keep them looking good and healthy. Provide moderate to high humidity levels and protect it from harsh cold. By following these procedures, you can have an attractive African fern pine tree that enhances the look of beautiful plants in your garden or house.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. How quickly can an African fern grow?

The African Fern Pine height may grow to 22 inches and a width of 8 inches, but it can take up to two months for a single leaf to develop. Its growth rate is dependent on its living environment. The three things that matter most to a plant are CO2, light, and nutrients.

Q. Is African Fern Pine fruit edible or not?

Fern Pine fruit is not edible; it is well known that certain plant parts are toxic if consumed.

Q. Is it possible to grow fern from a cutting?

Ferns can be multiplied using various techniques like division, leaf cuttings, and spore propagation.

 

Q. How do I get my fern bushy?

 Extreme pruning works well for ferns since it promotes bushy growth and prevents legginess. The ideal time to prune an indoor plant is when it’s ready to repot.