Japanese Fern Tree 45G

Japanese Fern Tree in 45-Gallon Pot available in Jupiter, FL

Soft in silhouette but strong in structure—the Japanese Fern Tree (Filicium decipiens) is a tropical ornamental beloved for its finely divided, glossy green foliage that looks like giant fern fronds. Despite the name, this isn’t a fern at all—it’s a small, slow-growing evergreen tree with a tidy canopy, ideal for formal landscapes, shaded patios, or tropical design. Native to Asia and East Africa, it thrives in South Florida’s warmth, offering year-round elegance with minimal maintenance.

This 45-gallon specimen brings immediate form and fullness, perfect for framing walkways, softening architectural lines, or adding a touch of refined greenery.

Care & Growing Info (Optimized for South Florida):

• Sunlight: Grows best in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates filtered light well, especially in hotter inland areas.

• Watering: Moderate. Water regularly while establishing; once rooted, it’s moderately drought-tolerant.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Adaptable but does best in soil rich in organic matter.

• Fertilizer: Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer 2–3 times annually to support healthy foliage and slow, steady growth.

• Growth Habit: Rounded canopy with upright, slender trunk and soft, fern-like leaves. In a 45-gallon pot, it typically stands 7–9 feet tall. At maturity, can grow 20–30 feet with a neat, globe-shaped crown.

• Temperature: USDA Zones 10–11. Cold-sensitive—plant in a warm microclimate if near Zone 9b.

• Maintenance: Very low. Minimal pruning needed—just remove lower branches if shaping into a clear-trunked form.

Foliage Notes:
Deep green, feathery, and fern-like leaves create a lush tropical appearance. The dense canopy casts dappled shade—ideal for creating cool, restful garden spaces.

Medicinal & Nutritional Benefits:
Primarily ornamental. Not known for medicinal or edible use, but contributes to improved air quality and landscape cooling with its dense, leafy canopy.

Ideal For:

• Tropical and modern gardens

• Poolside planting or patio shading

• Narrow spaces needing vertical softness

• Low-maintenance evergreen structure

• Gardeners who love refined, fern-like foliage

Plant Classification:

• Scientific Name: Filicium decipiens

• Plant Type: Evergreen ornamental tree

• Family: Sapindaceae (same family as lychee and longan)

• Class: Dicot

• Growth Form: Broadleaf evergreen perennial

  • Evergreen: Keeps lush green foliage year-round

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

  • Broadleaf: Fern-mimicking leaves offer soft texture and filtered shade

• Container Size: 45-gallon pot

Jupiter Farms & Nursery