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Fern tree problem

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Paul Norfolk, Jan 14, 2026.

  1. Paul Norfolk

    Paul Norfolk Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi all,
    See attached pics. My fern tree is in real trouble and I think it’s probably dead but any advice much appreciated.

    Many thanks
    Paul
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Plantminded

    Plantminded Total Gardener

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    It looks like a conifer that has reached a critical point, possibly due to lack of water. I’m sorry to say that I don’t think it has a future.
     
    • Agree Agree x 5
    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      Looks like an old christmas tree.
       
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      • Spruce

        Spruce Glad to be back .....

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        lol tree fern that’s the best joke this year
         
      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        Probably a spruce, Spruce.
         
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        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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          And grown in peat pete
           
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          • NigelJ

            NigelJ Total Gardener

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            I think it's a typo fern instead of fir (damn phones)
            However it's still dead or nearly so.
             
            • Informative Informative x 2
            • Agree Agree x 1
            • CanadianLori

              CanadianLori Total Gardener

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              Hello,
              It does look quite terminal. I hope giving it more water will help but those lower branches won't come back. Maybe the top will be will survive and you could plant a garden around it's base to make it look purposeful. Even a little tropical?
               
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              • Adam I

                Adam I Super Gardener

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                conifers are bizzarely fickle in human cultivation, but in the wild can grow on rock :rolleyespink:
                 
                • Agree Agree x 2
                • Philippa

                  Philippa Gardener

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                  I think it's a lost cause @Paul Norfolk - best to remove it altogether.
                   
                  • Agree Agree x 1
                  • waterbut

                    waterbut Gardener

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