Fronds turning brown! Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern)
 

I live in Southern California. I planted a Cyathea cooperi
(Australian Tree Fern) a few weeks ago and shortly afterwards many of
the fronds turned brown! It seemed only the ones that were getting
wet from the watering system so I arranged it so they did not get wet.
Does this sound likely to anyone? It seems strange that a plant from
a rain forest would need dry fronds! Should I cut off the brown
fronds or leave them alone? Thanks for any help!

Fronds turning brown! Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern)
 

Steve
They don't like being moved and the brown leaves may be just it's way of
telling you so. It takes a while for the root system to settle down and keep
it well watered. Are you near the coast? They don't like salty or hot
winds.Be generous with the water - they like high humidity and moist soil.
Also, not keen on full sun. It's OK to cut off old fronds, but normally they
are shed. In 'real life' they are a rainforest understorey plant. They grow
quite fast under appropriate conditions and I have seen some magnificent
oldtimers around 8 metres or more. So, lots of water, protect from wind and
direct sun, and go easy on fertiliser. Check to make sure the crown gets
water and also keep a look out for new fronds uncurling - that's the fun
part.
Cheers
Ian

"Steve Lipson" wrote in message
om...
I live in Southern California. I planted a Cyathea cooperi
(Australian Tree Fern) a few weeks ago and shortly afterwards many of
the fronds turned brown! It seemed only the ones that were getting
wet from the watering system so I arranged it so they did not get wet.
Does this sound likely to anyone? It seems strange that a plant from
a rain forest would need dry fronds! Should I cut off the brown
fronds or leave them alone? Thanks for any help!