Japanese Fern Tree 25G

Japanese Fern Tree in 25-Gallon Pot available in Jupiter, FL

Lush, layered, and effortlessly elegant—the Japanese Fern Tree (Filicium decipiens) brings a refined tropical feel to South Florida landscapes. Despite its name, it’s not a true fern, but a small, slow-growing tree with finely divided, fern-like foliage that forms a dense, rounded canopy. This evergreen beauty is perfect for shade, structure, and subtle sophistication in both residential and commercial settings.

In a 25-gallon pot, this tree is already well-shaped and landscape-ready—ideal for patios, driveways, garden anchors, or tropical understory designs.

Care & Growing Info (Optimized for South Florida):

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade. Can tolerate a bit of afternoon shade, especially in high-heat zones.

• Watering: Moderate. Water regularly during dry spells. Once established, it’s moderately drought-tolerant.

• Soil: Prefers rich, well-draining soil. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is best. Tolerates a range of conditions.

• Fertilizer: Feed 2–3 times per year with a slow-release balanced fertilizer. Micronutrients support dense canopy growth.

• Growth Habit: Upright with a dense, rounded canopy and fine-textured foliage. In a 25-gallon pot, expect 5–7 feet tall. Mature trees in-ground reach 20–25 feet with a canopy of similar width.

• Temperature: USDA Zones 10–11. Loves South Florida’s warmth and humidity. Avoid frost.

• Maintenance: Low. Trim for shape or clearance if desired. Very little leaf litter and pest pressure.

Foliage Notes:
The highlight is the foliage—delicate, glossy green leaves that resemble fern fronds from a distance. They create a layered, almost lacy canopy that casts dappled shade and adds soft texture to any landscape.

Medicinal & Nutritional Benefits:
Primarily ornamental. No known medicinal or edible uses. Appreciated for its shade and beauty, not consumption.

Ideal For:

• Driveway or sidewalk shade

• Courtyard gardens and patios

• Tropical or Mediterranean landscape designs

• Understory plantings in food forests

• Gardeners seeking low-maintenance elegance

Plant Classification:

• Scientific Name: Filicium decipiens

• Plant Type: Tropical ornamental tree

• Family: Sapindaceae (soapberry family)

• Class: Dicot

• Growth Form: Broadleaf evergreen perennial

  • Evergreen: Keeps its green foliage year-round in warm climates

  • Perennial: Lives for many years with consistent form and beauty

  • Broadleaf: Fine-textured leaves arranged in a fern-like pattern

• Container Size: 25-gallon pot

Jupiter Farms & Nursery