Replanting an established silver fern.

[lilypog]

Hi! I'm new here so apologies if I've posted this in the wrong area. I was wondering if anyone could advise me on the replanting of a silver fern that had to be dug up this morning, to allow for the replacement of some old water-pipes. It's prolly about four or five years old so the fronds are only about a foot across, with some young fronds growing out now. I've got it sitting in a bucket of water and it's got a fair size 'root ball', (tho I'm presuming it grows from the crown as do other tree ferns.) Do I treat it the same as other transplanted tree ferns and have to cut off all of those glorious fronds and then plant it back in a 'well of soil and continuously soak it for a while? I'm in temperate rain forest in south eastern Australia so we're heading into a hot Summer, but as it *had* to come out, I'm trying to make the best of a bad situation. Thanks! Kate.

[Tig]

Hi Lilypog/Kate and to GWD

I'm assuming your tree fern is a cyathea dealbata? I had one a couple of years back but it didn't survive our harsh middle England winter

I'm no expert as you can see, but perhaps if it isn't too big you could try replanting it in a largish container, that way you can ensure it gets enough moisture and try and keep it in a shadier position until it settles down. Removing some of the older fronds might help reduce water loss, perhaps just half of them I think you need to get it replanted as soon as possible as sitting in water it could start to rot. Best of luck

Maybe someone else will have some further advice for you.

x Tig

[Rosefriend]

Welcome to GWD...

Something that I would love but it would never survive the German winters...

I would agree with Tig - plant it in a large container as soon as possible and let it calm down and get over the stress of being dug up. Shady position and I would also keep an eye on the older fronds as well.

RF