Sphaeropteris cooperi aka Cooper's Cyathea
Taxonomy ID: 4576
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 Fern, Lacy Tree FernMore information about Cooper's Cyathea
How difficult is it to take care of Cooper's Cyathea
Caring for Cooper's Cyathea is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
What is the growth pattern and size of Cooper's Cyathea?
New growth will sprout from the top of the Cooper's Cyathea as it grows vertically.
What are the water needs for Cooper's Cyathea
Cooper's Cyathea should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Cooper's Cyathea
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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Cooper's Cyathea
Cooper's Cyathea requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Australian Tree Fern is always in the right place to thrive.
Is Cooper's Cyathea toxic to humans/pets?
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.
What seasonal care does Cooper's Cyathea need?
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.
About Ploi
Among plant care apps, Ploi consistently ranks highest with a 4.99-star rating. Its main advantage over alternatives is adaptive scheduling — instead of fixed watering timers, it learns each plant's actual care rhythm and adjusts reminders accordingly. Ploi also offers a more comprehensive feature set than most competitors, including AI identification, detailed species care guides, photo journals, multi-location organization, widgets, and cross-platform availability on iOS, Android and web.
