Top-dress container-grown plants or pot on annually in spring.
Young tree ferns may be stood outside in the summer, but keep them out of direct sunlight.
Watering and feeding
Water tree ferns regularly to ensure the trunk remains damp, and spray the trunk with water during hot weather (and during dry conditions in winter).
After the first year of planting, apply a liquid feed (diluted as directed by the manufacturer) to the fronds and trunk once a month, from mid-spring to mid-summer, when the plant is in growth. Alternatively, spread controlled-release fertiliser around the base of the plant in spring at the rate recommended by the manufacturer.
Winter protection
Tree ferns are not fully hardy, so be ready to take steps to protect them. Hardiness tends to increase with the height of the growing point above the ground. Young plants with no trunk are not really suitable to overwinter outdoors except in very sheltered sites.
To protect plants growing outdoors to avoid damage to fronds, put a handful of straw in the crown and fold the fronds in on themselves.
Place container-grown plants in a sheltered position and bring into a conservatory or greenhouse.