Question
QUESTION: I bought 2 Austrailan tree ferns this past Spring.  The instruction tag on the plants said they could take sun so I had them on the screen porch on West side of house.  By mid July the fronds seemed to be wilting and dieing.  I thought maybe I had over watered them so I started letting them get a little dry and they looked worse so I brought them inside.  They have no fronds which look alive but still several looking like they are uncurling and coming out although very slowly.  I don't know if I should water them a lot or just keep them a little evenly moist.  Please give me some advice on these plants.  Thank you very much.  Rene'

ANSWER: Hi Ren?
Thanx for your question.  Can you tell me where you are located?  What are your weather conditions, dry, wet, hot, cool, average temperatures during the time you planted the tree ferns and current conditions.
thx,
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I live in Springfield MO.  At the time I bought the plants in late May or early June the weather was still mild, probably low 70's.  We have had a very hot dry summer over all.  I planted them in large pots.  Quite a bit larger than the containers they came in from the nursery.  When the temps started getting in the mid to high 90's I brought them in the house.  I keep the air cond. around 75 inside.  I wondered if a humidifier would be a good idea too?  I have several other plants inside as well which seem to do fine.  Thanks, Rene'

Answer
Hi Ren?
Thanx for the additional information.  I'm in the Kansas City area, so, I'm very familiar with your climate.  Tree ferns come from the temperate rain forests of Australia and New Zealand.  The problem you are having is with extreme heat and moisture.  If the plant is going to be outside, it must be protected from the afternoon sunlight and you need to water it in the morning and in the evening.  Water at ground level.  If you're going to keep the plant indoors, the humidifier will definitely benefit it.  I hope this helps.
Tom