Cyathea felina - Tree fern

Cyathea felina (Sphaeropteris felina) is a sought-after tree fern, valued for its rarity, prized for its particularly elegant vertical habit and its characteristic light scales. It thrives in humid tropical forests, but can withstand temperatures close to 0°C when sheltered from the wind. This botanical species stands out with its upright fronds that create a unique cup-shaped silhouette. When cultivated in a pot in a veranda or a bright greenhouse, it brings a unique tropical atmosphere and becomes an impressive focal point. It is a plant that will delight enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Cyathea felina, also known as Sphaeropteris felina, is a tree fern native to New Guinea, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia, where it is listed as a threatened species in the state of Queensland. This exceptional species thrives in humid forests and coastal areas, typically in semi-shaded environments with some hours of sunlight.

In its natural habitat, it can reach over 8 metres in height with a trunk diameter of 30 cm. Its imposing fronds, measuring up to 4 metres in length, stand almost vertically. Its trunk and stipe are densely covered with scales ranging from light brown to golden blond, distinguishing it from similar but much less rare species.

In cultivation its dimensions are more modest: in the ground (in very mild climates spared from frost), it can grow up to 4 or 5 m. In a pot, in a veranda or a greenhouse, the plant reaches 2 to 3 m. Its fronds often measure over 2 m in length, carried by thick petioles densely covered with shiny scales. These fronds are wide, thick, and bright green. The reproductive organs, called spores, are round and globose, exceeding 3 mm in diameter and sometimes covering the entire underside of the fronds, an exceptional detail for a tree fern. Its rather upright habit results from the fronds' insertion, emerging at a much straighter angle than in other species such as Sphaeropteris cooperi. This gives it a powerful architectural appearance, often compared to a sculptural cup shape.

Like other tree ferns, this Cyathea felina requires humidity to thrive. Primitive plants which emerged from water before others, they remain dependent on it for their reproduction. This Cyathea is relatively cold-resistant, tolerating temperatures close to 0°C with appropriate protection. It also tolerates direct sunlight, provided the hottest hours of the day are avoided. For optimal growth, it demands a humus-rich, constantly moist soil. Regular addition of compost, manure, or humus is recommended to maintain substrate fertility.

Tree ferns are cold-sensitive plants, except for the quite common Dicksonia antarctica. However, they can be accommodated in a spacious conservatory or a large frost-free greenhouse. In a conservatory, Cyathea felina is spectacular, with its imposing presence and exotic elegance. To enhance this fern, pair it with a Fatsia japonica 'Variegata', a glossy dark green-leaved Philodendron 'Imperial Green', an Alocasia 'Polly' with large veined leaves, and an Asplenium nidus (Bird's Nest Fern) with a more compact silhouette and very different texture. These plants will create a dense and refined tropical setting. Setting them around an indoor pond or in a space with controlled humidity would enhance the exotic ambience.