Sphaeropteris cooperi aka Cooper's Cyathea
Taxonomy
Sphaeropteris cooperi, also known as lacy tree fern, scaly tree fern, or Cooper's tree fern, is a medium-to-large fast-growing tree fern native to Australia, specifically found in New South Wales and Queensland. It can reach a height of up to 15 meters (49 ft) with a slender stem and a trunk that can grow to be 12 inches (30 cm) thick. The apex of the trunk and unfurling crosiers are adorned with long, silky, straw-colored scales, adding to its visual appeal. The crown of this fern is wide-spreading, and its mid-green fronds can grow up to 4-6 meters (13-20 ft) in length. It is worth noting that there is an extremely rare variation of this fern with pale pink coloration and an orange stripe down the middle, which has a high value of around 2,000 dollars.
Common names
Cooper's Cyathea, Australian Tree Fern, Scaly Tree FernHow to care for Cooper's Cyathea
Difficulty
Caring for Cooper's Cyathea is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Cooper's Cyathea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Cooper's Cyathea loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Cooper's Cyathea prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Cooper's Cyathea to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Cooper's Cyathea as it grows vertically.
More info:
Wikipedia
