Water
Water regularly, allowing the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to prevent waterlogging.
Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot, as this species is sensitive to consistently wet conditions.
Also known as Fern Tree · Fern-Leaved Tree · Japanese Fern Tree
Ferntree (Filicium decipiens) is an ornamental evergreen tree native to East Africa, known for its attractive fern-like foliage and suitability for hedges and screens.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright indirect light
75% intensity
Can tolerate some direct morning sun
Allow soil to dry between waterings
50% intensity
Sensitive to overwatering
Well-drained
50% intensity
Average room temperatures
50% intensity
Avoid extreme cold and sudden temperature fluctuations
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light feeding during growth season
25% intensity
Dilute fertilizer to half strength
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, allowing the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to prevent waterlogging.
Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot, as this species is sensitive to consistently wet conditions.
Prune to maintain desired shape and size, and to remove any dead or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done at any time, but heavier pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Pinching back young shoots encourages bushier growth.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Use a rooting hormone to improve success rates.
Cuttings should be planted in a well-draining medium and kept moist and warm in a bright location, ideally with bottom heat, until they root.
Repot young plants annually in spring. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of potting soil, perlite, and sand.
Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Ferntree (Filicium decipiens)
Where Ferntree (Filicium decipiens) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Filicium |
| Species | Filicium decipiens |
Similar in genus Filicium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data