Overwintering guide
How to overwinter golden tree fern
Winter watering
Water rarely, and only in dry spells — winter wet is a bigger risk than winter cold. Make sure containers drain freely.
The mistake that kills golden tree fern in winter
Leaving golden tree fern in a pot standing in a saucer of water. Waterlogged compost freezes solid around the roots and kills plants that would have survived the cold perfectly well.
More golden tree fern care
- Overwintering golden tree fern — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Overwintering golden tree fern — our other guide for the same plant
- Full golden tree fern care guide
- Golden Tree Fern temperature range
- How often to water golden tree fern
- How to prune golden tree fern
- Common golden tree fern problems & fixes
- Best plant identifier apps — tested and ranked
Overwintering golden tree fern — FAQ
Does golden tree fern need to come indoors for winter?
Golden Tree Fern is hardy to roughly USDA zone 8 — winter lows around -12°C. That means it survives outside in mild areas, but wants shelter in a hard winter. Golden Tree Fern can stay outside over winter in most areas, but appreciates some protection in a cold snap. Mulch generously over the root zone, move containers against a sheltered wall (pots freeze far harder than open ground), and have horticultural fleece ready for the worst nights. The roots are what you are protecting — top growth can be sacrificed and regrown.
When should I move golden tree fern for winter?
Mulch and move pots into shelter in late autumn, before the first hard frosts.
How often should I water golden tree fern in winter?
Water rarely, and only in dry spells — winter wet is a bigger risk than winter cold. Make sure containers drain freely.
What kills golden tree fern over winter?
Leaving golden tree fern in a pot standing in a saucer of water. Waterlogged compost freezes solid around the roots and kills plants that would have survived the cold perfectly well.