I have a very tall tree fern that I wish to shorten as it is at gutter height and suffering from the heat. I wish to know if it will regrow when cut off 75cm from the ground, or must i dig it out and replant the top section only. Can someone also suggest the ideal PH for the above.
thanks
Hey JD, if it is the commonly grown tree fern (Cyathea cooperi) it can be shortened with some effort.
What you need to do is to prune off most of the older fronds to make it easier to handle, being careful to not damage the fresh growth in the middle. Then cut it off above the ground leaving the amount you want to have showing after the top is re-planted plus enough to go into the ground to make it stable.
The bottom part still in the ground will not re-grow so it can either be dug up or used as a structure to attach an epiphyte like an Orchid or Staghorn.
Tree Ferns like neutral to slightly acid soil.