Bourbon Tree Fern
cyathea borbonica
Also known as: ["Bourbon Tree Fern"]
Overview
A large, elegant tree fern native to the Mascarene Islands, known for its tall trunk and graceful fronds.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Cyatheales |
| Family: | Cyatheaceae |
| Genus: | Cyathea |
| Botanical Name: | Cyathea borbonica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: sheltered garden bed or indoor pot with high humidity
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–28°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich, organic soil with good aeration; a mix of peat, loam, and sand works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or when fronds decline.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than 20% of fronds at once.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to lower light in winter to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf burn; place in a spot with filtered light for optimal growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to dappled light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct sunlight.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Soil
moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix with good water retention but fast drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates a range of 50–80°F (10–27°C) with protection from extremes.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain stable conditions; protect from drafts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring–summer)
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Spores or division of rhizomes; spore propagation is more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect spores from mature fronds.
- Scatter on sterile medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Or divide rhizome with sharp, sterile tool.
- Plant in new pot.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%); warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C); indirect light.
Medium
Mixture of peat moss and sand or perlite for spores; moist, well-draining soil for rhizome division.
Hormone
Not applicable for spores; rooting hormone can be used for rhizome division if desired.
Timeline
Spores may take 1–2 years to develop into mature plants; rhizome division can establish in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Sterile knife or shears, spore collection sheet, propagator or plastic bag for humidity.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture for spores; provide bottom heat for faster germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut fronds at the base of the stem with clean, sharp tools; avoid tearing.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead, damaged, or yellowing fronds to maintain appearance and health; encourage new growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, or scissors; sterilize tools before use.
Checklist
Identify fronds to remove; sterilize tools; cut cleanly; dispose of debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for mature plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; remove excess water.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water is removed from saucers to avoid standing water.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or browning fronds; stunted growth; wilting despite adequate water.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause fronds to turn brown or black; increases susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pot with bubble wrap; avoid placing near drafty windows or doors.
Hot Stress
Fronds may wilt, curl, or scorch; soil may dry out too quickly; increased transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a humidifier; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Cyathea borbonica. The spores can also cause mild respiratory irritation. The toxicity is generally low, but ingestion should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Cyathea borbonica can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The spores may cause mild respiratory irritation if inhaled. The effects are typically not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCyathea borbonica contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The spores may also cause respiratory irritation if inhaled in large quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to localized irritation and discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Cyathea borbonica grow?
A: It can grow up to 10 meters tall in ideal conditions.
Q: Does it require direct sunlight?
A: No, it prefers partial shade or filtered light.
Q: Is it suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: Yes, but it requires high humidity and ample space.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cyatheaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to dappled light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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